Barely weeks after his appointment was formalised, Luka Kipchumba Kimeli is facing mounting scrutiny following fresh allegations of procurement irregularities at the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).
Kimeli, whose elevation to Director-General was confirmed on February 17, 2026, by the KeNHA Board chaired by Winfrida Ngumi, had just concluded a turbulent seven-month stint in an acting capacity.
His confirmation was described by the Board as the result of a “competitive and transparent” recruitment process conducted in line with the Kenya Roads Act 2007.
However, the optimism surrounding his appointment has quickly been overshadowed by a wave of allegations circulating in public and policy circles, suggesting possible irregularities in the award of a multi-million-shilling contract to a foreign firm.
Allegations Emerge
The claims, which have yet to be formally tested by oversight bodies, allege that procurement processes within KeNHA may have been manipulated to favour a predetermined outcome. Questions have been raised about competitive bidding, due process, and whether internal procedures were tailored to benefit specific entities.
As of now, neither KeNHA nor the Ministry of Roads and Transport has issued an official response to the allegations. Key oversight institutions, including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority, have also remained publicly silent.
The lack of response has intensified concerns among governance experts, who warn that silence in the face of such claims risks deepening public mistrust in one of the country’s most critical infrastructure agencies.
A Troubled Institutional History
The controversy comes against the backdrop of KeNHA’s long-standing struggles with procurement integrity and project management. For years, the agency has been flagged by the Office of the Auditor-General over irregular tendering processes, missing documentation, and unexplained cost overruns.
Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu has repeatedly highlighted weaknesses in KeNHA’s procurement systems, including unsupported expenditures, undocumented contracts, and billions of shillings in pending bills owed to contractors.
One of the most notable cases involved the Mombasa-Mariakani highway project, where audits revealed unexplained cost variations running into billions and missing financial records.
Court Ruling Adds Pressure
Kimeli’s leadership is also under scrutiny following a recent High Court ruling that found him guilty of contempt of court over KeNHA’s failure to settle a Sh536 million debt owed to SBI International Holdings Kenya Limited.
The court dismissed arguments that the delay was due to budgetary constraints, ruling instead that the agency had wilfully disobeyed a binding order. The case is part of a broader, long-running dispute that has cost taxpayers billions in settlements linked to contract terminations and legal battles.
Controversial Tender Still Fresh
Further compounding the situation is a controversial July 2025 tender for the Pangani-Muthaiga-Kiambu-Ndumberi road project, issued during Kimeli’s acting tenure.
The tender restricted eligible bidders to Chinese firms or consortia, citing financing arrangements with the China Export-Import Bank. The move sparked immediate backlash for allegedly violating procurement laws that promote fair competition and local participation.
The notice was abruptly withdrawn days later without explanation, leaving the project in limbo and raising questions about decision-making within the agency.
Billions at Stake
The stakes surrounding KeNHA’s operations remain enormous. The agency is currently overseeing billions of shillings in infrastructure funding, including major highway projects and donor-backed initiatives.
With such vast resources under its control, experts warn that any weaknesses in procurement oversight could have far-reaching economic consequences.
A recent report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) pointed to systemic weaknesses in Kenya’s public procurement enforcement, noting that infrastructure projects remain particularly vulnerable to manipulation and cartel behaviour.
Growing Calls for Accountability
As pressure mounts, governance advocates are calling for immediate investigations into the latest allegations, urging oversight bodies to act swiftly.
They argue that institutions such as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and parliamentary committees must intervene to establish the facts and restore public confidence.
Despite the controversy, Kimeli has yet to publicly address the allegations. Instead, he has continued with official duties, including site visits alongside KeNHA Board leadership, as part of efforts to accelerate infrastructure development.
Uncertain Road Ahead
For Kimeli, the early days of his tenure now present a defining test. Whether he can steer KeNHA away from its troubled past or becomes entangled in its long-standing governance challenges remains to be seen.
What is clear, however, is that the agency’s credibility—and the management of billions in public funds—now hangs in the balance as calls for transparency grow louder.
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