Luka Kimeli Appointed as the New Director -General of Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA)

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has appointed Eng. Luka Kipchumba Kimeli as its new Director-General, with the appointment that took place on 17 February 2026, following a competitive recruitment process by the Authority’s Board. KeNHA’s Board Chair Winfrida Ngumi welcomed the move, saying the exercise was conducted transparently to pick the most qualified leader to oversee Kenya’s national highways network.

In announcing his appointment, Ngumi said that Kimeli “brings a wealth of experience from across the roads sector and is well-placed to guide the Authority as it implements major national infrastructure projects”  a signal of confidence in his ability to deliver on KeNHA’s mandate.

                     Kimeli's background
Eng. Luka Kimeli is a seasoned infrastructure professional with more than 27 years of experience in planning, construction and management of public infrastructure, especially roads. Before his new role, he served as Acting Director-General and previously as Board Secretary at KeNHA, giving him direct involvement in the planning and execution of major highway projects. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Civil Engineering from the University of Nairobi and an MBA, and is a registered engineer with the Engineers Board of Kenya.

During his tenure as Acting Director-General, Kimeli also engaged with stakeholders on major projects such as the Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit highway upgrade, assuring the public of transparency in tolling and project implementation under public-private partnership arrangements. “The Authority assures the public that this project will be executed in a manner that upholds public interest, promotes economic efficiency, and delivers safe, reliable, and sustainable infrastructure,” he said in a statement last year.

                 Predecessor and Leadership Transition
Kimeli succeeds Eng. Kung’u Ndung’u, who resigned from the position in July 2025 after serving as KeNHA Director-General since October 2021. Ndung’u’s departure prompted Kimeli’s initial appointment as Acting Director-General.Ngumi thanked Ndung’u for his service and leadership.

“The Board of Directors would like to appreciate the outgoing Director-General for his invaluable service and contribution to the Authority,” she said when announcing the earlier leadership change.
                 Priorities and Major Projects Ahead
Kimeli takes over at a time when Kenya is embarking on an ambitious nationwide roads expansion programme that aims to dual thousands of kilometres of key highways and improve connectivity across the country. Among the planned priorities are like ;

The Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit and Nairobi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha corridor upgrades, expected to ease congestion on the busiest transport routes in the country.
Expansion of major urban highways and rural connectivity projects under the government’s long-term infrastructure strategy. Continued engagement with private sector partners to accelerate delivery of road construction and maintenance works.

              Reactions from Government and Sector Leaders
Transport sector stakeholders have noted Kimeli’s appointment as a positive step toward continuity in executing Kenya’s roads agenda. A senior official in the Ministry of Roads and Transport said the leadership change “reinforces the government’s commitment to maintaining momentum on critical infrastructure projects and expands the capacity to deliver quality roads across all regions.

Ngumi also highlighted the importance of strong collaboration between KeNHA, development partners and county governments to ensure that the national highways network supports economic growth and regional linkages.