The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has officially appointed Eng. Luka Kipchumba Kimeli as its new Director General, effective February 17, 2026, the authority confirmed in a staff communication on Wednesday.
The announcement follows a competitive and transparent recruitment process guided by the Kenya Roads Act, 2007, and applicable public service procedures.
The Board of Directors of KeNHA, acting in consultation with the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Roads and Transport, expressed confidence in Eng. Kimeli’s leadership.
“The Board expresses full confidence in Eng. Kimeli's capacity to steer the Authority towards greater efficiency, accountability, and service excellence in delivering safe, resilient, and world-class highway infrastructure that supports national growth and regional integration,” the statement read.
Eng. Kimeli steps into the role with 27 years of extensive experience in infrastructure development, strategic program delivery, and public sector leadership within Kenya’s roads sub-sector.
His tenure is expected to strengthen the authority’s mission of developing and managing resilient, safe, and adequate national trunk roads for sustainable development.
The appointment comes at a critical time when Kenya continues to prioritize quality infrastructure as a driver for economic growth and regional connectivity.
KeNHA, headquartered at Barabara Plaza, Block A & C near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, manages the country’s national highways network.
Its stated vision is “a quality National Trunk Road Network to all for prosperity,” while its mission emphasizes innovation, optimal resource utilization, and sustainable development.
Chairperson of the Board, Winfrida Ngumi, congratulated Eng. Kimeli, reaffirming the board’s support for his leadership. “The Board congratulates Eng. Kimeli on his appointment and assures him of its full support as he assumes office,” the announcement said.
The authority, which is ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 27001:2023 certified, relies on core values including accountability, sustainability, innovation, and teamwork to achieve its mandate.
With Eng. Kimeli at the helm, KeNHA anticipates a renewed focus on efficient project implementation and quality service delivery.
“The appointment follows a competitive and transparent recruitment process,” the communication highlighted, reaffirming the emphasis on merit-based selection in public sector leadership positions.
Analysts view such appointments as crucial in ensuring that strategic infrastructure projects are implemented effectively, minimizing delays and financial inefficiencies.
Eng. Kimeli’s mandate will also include steering national highway development projects that support Kenya’s long-term growth agenda and the broader East African regional integration initiatives.
By combining technical expertise and administrative experience, he is expected to address both operational challenges and strategic planning within KeNHA.
The new Director General inherits responsibility for ensuring that Kenya’s highways remain safe, resilient, and capable of meeting increasing traffic demands.
He will also oversee the optimization of resources in line with the authority’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
The leadership change marks a significant step in Kenya’s continued efforts to modernize its road infrastructure, positioning the country for enhanced connectivity, trade facilitation, and regional competitiveness.
Eng. Kimeli’s appointment is seen as part of a broader strategy to reinforce professionalism, transparency, and accountability in public sector infrastructure management.
As KeNHA embarks on this new chapter under Eng. Kimeli’s leadership, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how his expertise translates into tangible improvements in highway planning, construction, and maintenance, ensuring that Kenya’s road network meets international standards.
