TWO TOP ROADS AGENCY BOSSES RESIGN ON SAME DAY: KENHA AND KERRA SHAKE-UP RAISES QUESTIONS
In a surprising turn of events, Kenya’s top roads agency chiefs—KeNHA Director General Kungu Ndungu and KeRRA DG Philemon Kandie—resigned on the same day, sparking speculation about the timing and possible political undertones.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) confirmed Ndungu’s sudden exit through an internal memo issued on Friday, July 11, 2025, announcing that Eng. Luka Kimeli would immediately assume the role of Acting Director General.
“The Board of Directors at KeNHA hereby announces the acceptance of the resignation of Eng. Kungu Ndungu as Director General of the Kenya National Highways Authority, effective July 11, 2025,” read the memo.
“It further announces the appointment of Eng. Luka Kimeli as Acting Director General, effective immediately.”
Although the board refrained from explaining the reasons for Ndungu’s departure, it expressed confidence in Eng. Kimeli’s leadership to steer KeNHA through the transition period.
KERRA BOSS KANDIE STEPS DOWN AMID CONTROVERSY
Shortly before KeNHA’s announcement, Philemon Kandie, the Director General of the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), also tendered his resignation. Kandie’s exit came just days after a petition was filed in the High Court seeking his removal over allegations tied to the June 2025 anti-government protests.
The explosive petition accused Kandie of misusing his public office to channel government funds through dubious contractors and shell companies allegedly linked to KeRRA. These funds, it is claimed, were used to finance violent demonstrations across the country.
The petitioner cited intelligence reports and procurement audit trails linking Kandie to the alleged financing of protest logistics — a serious accusation that, if proven, would constitute a breach of Chapter Six of the Constitution.
“The Respondent has grossly violated constitutional provisions, including abuse of office, misappropriation of public funds, and breach of public trust,” read part of the petition.
Among the orders sought was a declaration of gross misconduct, a permanent injunction against Kandie from holding public office, and further investigations into his dealings.
SUCCESSORS NAMED IN ACTING CAPACITY
Following Kandie’s exit, KeRRA announced that Jackson K. Magondu, the current Director of Planning, Design, and Environment, would assume leadership in an acting capacity.
Meanwhile, attention remains on the twin resignations, with Kenyans raising eyebrows over the synchronized timing and demanding transparency from the Ministry of Roads and Infrastructure.
Although neither KeNHA nor KeRRA has officially linked the resignations to ongoing investigations or political pressure, public speculation continues to mount, especially in light of recent nationwide protests and corruption claims tied to government agencies.
WHAT NEXT FOR INFRASTRUCTURE AGENCIES?
Both KeNHA and KeRRA are critical players in Kenya’s national infrastructure and road development agenda. Their leadership shake-up comes at a time when the government is facing pressure to account for massive public expenditure, rising youth unrest, and demands for institutional reforms.
As the dust settles, stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether further resignations or arrests follow, or whether this was simply a coordinated leadership reshuffle amid growing political tensions.In a surprising turn of events, Kenya’s top roads agency chiefs—KeNHA Director General Kungu Ndungu and KeRRA DG Philemon Kandie—resigned on the same day, sparking speculation about the timing and possible political undertones.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) confirmed Ndungu’s sudden exit through an internal memo issued on Friday, July 11, 2025, announcing that Eng. Luka Kimeli would immediately assume the role of Acting Director General.
“The Board of Directors at KeNHA hereby announces the acceptance of the resignation of Eng. Kungu Ndungu as Director General of the Kenya National Highways Authority, effective July 11, 2025,” read the memo.
“It further announces the appointment of Eng. Luka Kimeli as Acting Director General, effective immediately.”
Although the board refrained from explaining the reasons for Ndungu’s departure, it expressed confidence in Eng. Kimeli’s leadership to steer KeNHA through the transition period.
KERRA BOSS KANDIE STEPS DOWN AMID CONTROVERSY
Shortly before KeNHA’s announcement, Philemon Kandie, the Director General of the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), also tendered his resignation. Kandie’s exit came just days after a petition was filed in the High Court seeking his removal over allegations tied to the June 2025 anti-government protests.
The explosive petition accused Kandie of misusing his public office to channel government funds through dubious contractors and shell companies allegedly linked to KeRRA. These funds, it is claimed, were used to finance violent demonstrations across the country.
The petitioner cited intelligence reports and procurement audit trails linking Kandie to the alleged financing of protest logistics — a serious accusation that, if proven, would constitute a breach of Chapter Six of the Constitution.
“The Respondent has grossly violated constitutional provisions, including abuse of office, misappropriation of public funds, and breach of public trust,” read part of the petition.
Among the orders sought was a declaration of gross misconduct, a permanent injunction against Kandie from holding public office, and further investigations into his dealings.
SUCCESSORS NAMED IN ACTING CAPACITY
Following Kandie’s exit, KeRRA announced that Jackson K. Magondu, the current Director of Planning, Design, and Environment, would assume leadership in an acting capacity.
Meanwhile, attention remains on the twin resignations, with Kenyans raising eyebrows over the synchronized timing and demanding transparency from the Ministry of Roads and Infrastructure.
Although neither KeNHA nor KeRRA has officially linked the resignations to ongoing investigations or political pressure, public speculation continues to mount, especially in light of recent nationwide protests and corruption claims tied to government agencies.
WHAT NEXT FOR INFRASTRUCTURE AGENCIES?
Both KeNHA and KeRRA are critical players in Kenya’s national infrastructure and road development agenda. Their leadership shake-up comes at a time when the government is facing pressure to account for massive public expenditure, rising youth unrest, and demands for institutional reforms.
As the dust settles, stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether further resignations or arrests follow, or whether this was simply a coordinated leadership reshuffle amid growing political tensions.
