By Roxane Okeke
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has appointed Eng. Luka Kipchumba Kimeli as its new Director General, effective February 17, 2026.
The appointment followed what the board described as a competitive and transparent recruitment process conducted in line with the Kenya Roads Act, 2007, and public service procedures.
A Seasoned Professional
Eng. Kimeli brings with him 27 years of experience in infrastructure development, strategic programme delivery and leadership within the roads sub-sector.
The Board expressed confidence in his ability to steer the Authority towards greater efficiency, accountability and service excellence.
His task ahead is significant. KeNHA oversees some of the country’s most critical road projects—highways that connect regions, support trade, and drive economic growth. With Kenya investing heavily in road infrastructure to boost regional integration and ease transport costs, expectations are high.
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Historical Succession
Eng. Kimeli takes over from a line of seasoned engineers who have shaped KeNHA’s journey over the years. Among the Director Generals he succeeds are Peter Mundinia, who served for years and oversaw major highway expansion projects and Kungu Ndungu, who held the position in an acting capacity during a transition period.
Meshack Kidenda, a former Director General also played a role in strengthening the Authority’s institutional framework and his name hit national headlines during the tenure of former President, Uhuru Kenyatta.
Eng. Kimeli now inherits both their achievements and the ongoing challenges of maintaining and expanding a growing highway network.
The weight of the office
The position of KeNHA Director General is one of the most high-profile technical roles in Kenya’s public sector. As the accounting officer and chief executive of the Authority, the DG oversees multi-billion-shilling projects, manages contractors, and ensures compliance with procurement and regulatory standards.
The Director General of KeNHA earns an estimated monthly salary of about Ksh.1.5 million, arguably, excluding allowances and other benefits attached to the position, in line with pay structures for chief executives of major state corporations.
