Acting boss Luka Kimeli wins race for KeNHA Director General seat

The board of the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has formally appointed Eng. Luka Kipchumba Kimeli as the Director General, ending a period of leadership transition that began in mid-2025. The appointment, which took effect on February 17, 2026, follows a seven-month period where Kimeli steered the agency in an acting capacity.

The confirmation was announced by the KeNHA board chairperson, Winfrida Ngumi, who noted that the decision was reached following a competitive recruitment exercise. The process was conducted under the provisions of the Kenya Roads Act 2007 and involved consultations with the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Davis Chirchir. Kimeli will serve in the role for a renewable term of three years.

Kimeli originally took over the acting role on July 11, 2025, after the sudden resignation of the previous Director General, Eng. Kung'u Ndung'u. During his interim period, he was tasked with maintaining the momentum of major highway projects and overseeing the authority's vast portfolio of national trunk roads. His performance during this transition appears to have solidified the board's confidence in his ability to manage the agency's long-term strategic goals.

A seasoned civil engineer, Kimeli brings 27 years of experience in the infrastructure sector to the position. His professional background includes senior roles at the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) and a tenure as Roads Secretary. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with First Class Honours and an MBA from the University of Nairobi, qualifications that the board highlighted as critical for the technical and administrative demands of the office.

The appointment comes at a time when KeNHA is managing several high-profile infrastructure investments, including the expansion of major corridors and the rehabilitation of routes damaged by changing weather patterns. The board stated that Kimeli’s extensive history in strategic program delivery and public sector leadership will be essential for enhancing operational efficiency and project accountability.

Beyond technical engineering, Kimeli has previously been recognized for his work in the digitalization of weighbridge operations. In 2025, he received an industry award for smart mobility innovation, reflecting a shift toward integrating technology into road management systems to preserve pavement life and reduce maintenance costs.

The roads sub-sector has seen broader leadership changes alongside this appointment. Jackson Magondu was recently confirmed as the Director General of KeRRA, while Judith Otsyula took the helm at the Kenya Roads Board. This stabilization of executive leadership across the three primary road agencies is expected to streamline coordination on national infrastructure projects.

Kimeli is now tasked with delivering safe and resilient highway infrastructure that facilitates regional trade. His mandate includes the management, development, and rehabilitation of the national highway network, a core component of the country’s economic infrastructure.