New Bill seeks to reduce road agency heads' term limits

Kenya’s road agency directors could soon serve shorter terms if a new Bill before Parliament is approved.

The Kenya Roads (Amendment) Bill, 2025, recommends reducing the term of directors general at the Kenya National Highways Authority (Kenha), Kenya Rural Roads Authority (Kerra), and Kenya Urban Roads Authority (Kura) from five years to three.

The Bill is sponsored by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and aims to bring these positions in line with the Code of Governance for State Corporations, commonly referred to as Mwongozo.

"The terms of service for Kenha, Kura and Kerra bosses don’t resonate with the Code of Governance for State Corporations," said Ichung’wah, who is also the MP for Kikuyu.

The amendment focuses on Section 13(3) of the Kenya Roads Act. It proposes to change the term length from five to three years, with an option for one renewal.

It also provides that current officeholders will complete their existing terms but can only seek a one-year extension.

“A person who, immediately before the commencement of this Act, held office as director general, shall serve for the unexpired period of his or her term and shall be eligible for appointment for one further term of one year,” the Bill reads in part.

The proposal will affect current leaders, including Eng. Kung’u Ndung’u of Kenha, who was appointed in 2021 and was expected to serve until 2031.

With the proposed law, his term would now end in 2027. Silas Kinoti of Kura, who started in 2020, and Philemon Kandie of Kerra, appointed in 2022, would also have their service periods shortened and renewal options limited.

Performance-based governance

According to Ichung’wah, the law as it stands contradicts the spirit of performance-based governance.

“The current provisions of the Kenya Roads Act undoubtedly negate the values of good governance,” he said.

“The Bill therefore proposes to amend Section 13 of the Act to provide that a director general of each authority shall serve for a period of three years, renewable once,” the MP added.

The proposed changes come at a time when President William Ruto’s government is making changes in state corporations under a broad political partnership with opposition leader Raila Odinga.

The reshuffle is part of ongoing efforts to reform public institutions and possibly create space for new political allies.

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The roads sector is among the most important in terms of national development and budget allocation.

These agencies handle large infrastructure projects that require strong leadership. The term reduction is seen as a way to improve oversight and reduce misuse of public office.

The five-year term currently in place was adopted in 2018 during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s term.

Before that, agency heads served three-year terms. The extension was meant to give them enough time to manage major projects.

Now, Parliament may revert to the previous model, focusing on accountability and regular review.