KeNHA grilled over use of privately registered highway patrol vehicles
CS Chirchir defended the practice, stating that KeNHA relies on service providers contracted under a Performance-Based Contract (PBC) model, who supply the patrol vehicles as part of their maintenance services.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has come under scrutiny for deploying privately registered vehicles during highway patrols, raising concerns among senators over ownership and procurement procedures.
In a session on Wednesday, the legislators slammed the agency for failing to use official government vehicles, questioning transparency in the contracting process.
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“CS Chirchir, why does the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) use privately owned motor vehicles for patrols on highways? Who owns these patrol vehicles, and how are their services procured?” Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu demanded explanations from Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir.
In his response, Chirchir defended the practice, stating that KeNHA relies on service providers contracted under a Performance-Based Contract (PBC) model, who supply the patrol vehicles as part of their maintenance services.
“The patrol vehicles are owned by performance-based contractors, who are assigned the contracts based on performance-based contracts,” Chirchir told the Senate.
He explained that under the PBC model, contractors handle both routine road maintenance and patrol services, including providing the necessary vehicles and personnel. The vehicles, he clarified, remain privately registered because they belong to the contracted service providers.
“This model cuts costs and integrates patrol services like mechanical assistance and security alerts into service contracts. Therefore, KeNHA has no plans to acquire or maintain its own patrol fleet,” Chirchir said.
He elaborated that the maintenance and patrol services are outsourced, particularly for key roads such as the Southern Bypass and Thika Road. Under the contracts, the scope of work includes regular patrols to monitor traffic compliance, rapid incident response, safeguarding of infrastructure like streetlights and guardrails, and providing immediate assistance to motorists in distress.
“KeNHA utilises privately owned vehicles as it outsources routine road maintenance works through performance-based contracts. Under these contracts, especially on critical roads like the Southern Bypass and Thika Road, the scope includes regular road patrol to monitor compliance with traffic regulations, rapid response to incidents and breakdowns, protection of road infrastructure including street lighting and guard rails, and immediate assistance to motorists in distress,” he said.
The CS assured senators that the system is structured and regulated, with KeNHA retaining oversight to ensure compliance with established guidelines and standards.
“KeNHA remains accountable for the overall supervision of these contracts and ensures that all activities, including road patrols, adhere to set guidelines and standards,” he told the Senate.
The senators, however, maintained that the agency should prioritise the use of government-owned vehicles to improve transparency and public confidence in highway management.
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