The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has officially appointed Engineer Luka Kipchumba Kimeli as its new Director General, with the appointment taking effect on February 17.
The announcement was made by the Authority’s Board of Directors after consultations with the Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Roads and Transport, marking a significant leadership transition within one of Kenya’s key infrastructure agencies.
In a formal statement, the Board confirmed that Eng. Kimeli’s appointment followed a competitive and transparent recruitment process.
The process was conducted in full compliance with the Kenya Roads Act and other relevant public service regulations that guide appointments in state corporations.
According to the Board, the selection process was thorough and aimed at identifying a qualified professional capable of steering the Authority through its next phase of development.
Eng. Kimeli is not new to the institution. Before his confirmation, he had been serving as the Acting Director General. He assumed the acting role in July 2025 after the resignation of the former Director General, Eng. Kungu Ndung’u.
His confirmation now provides stability and continuity in leadership at a time when the Authority is handling several major national infrastructure projects.
With an impressive career spanning 27 years, Eng. Kimeli brings extensive experience in infrastructure development, strategic programme implementation, and public sector leadership.
Throughout his career, he has played a central role in Kenya’s roads sub-sector, overseeing major highway projects and contributing to initiatives designed to improve national connectivity and strengthen regional integration.
His professional background includes managing complex road networks and coordinating large-scale construction works that are vital to the country’s economic growth.
Before Eng. Kimeli’s appointment, Eng. Kungu Ndung’u had taken over leadership of KeNHA in October 2021. He succeeded Peter Mundinia, whose six-year term ended in August 2021. The leadership transitions reflect the structured governance framework that guides operations within the Authority.
In its statement, the Board expressed strong confidence in Eng. Kimeli’s ability to guide KeNHA toward greater efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
The Board emphasized its expectation that under his leadership, the Authority will continue delivering safe, resilient, and world-class highway infrastructure that supports Kenya’s economic expansion and strengthens its position as a regional transport hub.
KeNHA plays a critical role in the country’s development agenda. The agency is mandated to develop, manage, rehabilitate, and maintain Kenya’s national highways.
Through the expansion and maintenance of strategic road corridors, it facilitates trade, enhances connectivity between counties, and improves the smooth movement of goods and passengers across the country. Reliable highway infrastructure remains a key driver of economic growth, investment, and regional competitiveness.
These leadership changes come at a time when the government is pushing forward with ambitious infrastructure goals, often described as part of the vision to transform Kenya into a highly developed and globally competitive economy.
KeNHA is currently implementing several high-profile road projects aimed at modernizing the country’s transport network.
Among the major ongoing projects is the rehabilitation of the 27-kilometre JKIA–James Gichuru Road. The road suffered significant damage during the construction of the Nairobi Expressway, and the restoration works are intended to improve traffic flow and enhance safety for motorists using this busy corridor that connects key parts of the capital.
In addition, KeNHA is overseeing the construction and expansion of the Rironi–Mau Summit Expressway. The project is being implemented in partnership with a consortium of international companies from China.
Once completed, the expressway is expected to ease congestion along the Northern Corridor, reduce travel time, and improve efficiency in the movement of goods between Nairobi and western Kenya, as well as neighboring countries.
As Eng. Kimeli officially assumes office, expectations remain high that his experience and leadership will help accelerate the completion of these critical infrastructure projects and strengthen KeNHA’s role in shaping Kenya’s transport future.
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