In a surprising turn of events, two top officials in Kenya’s road infrastructure sector resigned on the same day, raising serious questions and triggering public speculation. Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) Director General Eng.
Kungu Ndungu stepped down just hours after Philemon Kandie, the Director General of the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), also announced his resignation.
The announcement of Ndungu’s exit was made through an internal memo issued by KeNHA on Friday, July 11. The memo confirmed that his resignation was effective immediately. It also stated that Eng. Luka Kimeli had been appointed to take over in an acting capacity as the new Director General starting that same day.
“The Board of Directors at KeNHA announces the acceptance of Eng. Kungu Ndungu’s resignation as Director General, with effect from July 11, 2025,” the memo read. “Further, the Board announces the appointment of Eng. Luka Kimeli as Acting Director General, effective immediately,” it added.
Although the memo didn’t disclose specific reasons behind Ndungu’s sudden departure, the board expressed confidence in Kimeli’s ability to provide steady leadership and maintain continuity at the organization during the transition period.
Ndungu, a seasoned civil engineer and respected business executive, had been appointed to head KeNHA on October 8, 2021. He succeeded Peter Mundinia, who had retired from the position. During Ndungu’s tenure, KeNHA oversaw various high-profile infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the national road network.
The fact that both Ndungu and Kandie resigned on the same day did not go unnoticed. The timing immediately raised eyebrows across government and civil society circles, with many Kenyans questioning whether the resignations were mere coincidence or part of a wider shake-up in the public infrastructure sector.
While KeNHA’s memo stayed silent on the motive behind Ndungu’s resignation, Kandie’s departure followed mounting pressure linked to serious allegations involving the recent nationwide protests that erupted in June.
Just a few days before stepping down, a petition had been filed at the High Court calling for Kandie’s removal from office. The petitioner accused Kandie of playing a behind-the-scenes role in financing and facilitating the June protests that turned chaotic in several parts of the country.
The court documents alleged that Kandie used his official position to channel government funds through shell companies and contractors connected to KeRRA in order to support protest logistics. Intelligence and investigative reports reportedly linked procurement records and financial transactions to groups allegedly involved in violent demonstrations.
In the same petition, Kandie was also accused of violating several sections of the Constitution — including abuse of office, misappropriation of public resources, breach of public trust, and failure to adhere to the national values and leadership standards outlined under Chapter Six of the Constitution.
As part of the legal demands, the petitioner sought a declaration that Kandie had committed gross misconduct and breached the law, as well as a permanent injunction barring him from ever holding any public office again.
Following Kandie’s resignation, KeRRA announced that Jackson K. Magondu — the authority’s current Director of Planning, Design, and Environment — would serve as Acting Director General while the government looks for a permanent replacement.
Although official explanations remain vague, the simultaneous resignations of two high-ranking public officials in the transport sector — one under heavy legal scrutiny and the other departing without explanation — have left Kenyans speculating about possible political or ethical undercurrents behind the shake-up.
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