KeRRA Director General Philemon Kandie Faces Scrutiny Over Alleged Misuse of Government Vehicles

Philemon Kandie, Director General of the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), is under fire following allegations that he has amassed a fleet of government vehicles for personal use, raising questions about accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.

According to a post on X by user @FGaitho237, Kandie has five Toyota Prados parked at his compound, allegedly assigned to various KeRRA and Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) projects. The vehicles include registration numbers KDB (KeNHA project), KDD 171X (KeRRA project, used by Kandie’s bodyguard, Sang), KCG (KeRRA project), KDH 728H (KeRRA project), and KCQ 178 (KeNHA project). Additionally, three double-cab pickup trucks—one for a KeNHA project and two for KeRRA projects—are reportedly in his possession, along with a Subaru Outback and a Toyota Fortuner tied to a KeRRA project.

The allegations further claim that Kandie is driven by a KeRRA driver, identified as Chesire, in a government-issued Prado (KCP 534K), while his stepbrother, Solomon Kandie, drives him in another KeRRA Prado (KCP 536K). These claims, if verified, suggest a potential misuse of public assets, as government vehicles are typically designated for official duties related to specific projects.

The Kenya Rural Roads Authority, tasked with developing, maintaining, and managing rural road networks across Kenya, has been at the center of controversy before. Kandie, who has served as KeRRA’s Director General, faced accusations in 2021 of abuse of office, unprocedural staff transfers, and favoritism in tender awards (https://kenyainsights.com/kerra-exposing-procurement-wars-of-corrupt-kandie/)[](https://cnyakundi.com/dg-kandie-benefits-in-kerra-procurement-wrangles/)

In 2023, the Court of Appeal declined to suspend Kandie’s removal from his position after a labor court ruled his appointment process was marred by illegalities. Despite this, Kandie has remained in his role, overseeing significant projects such as the Sh537 million Mwachande Bridge in Kwale County, which aims to enhance connectivity and economic activity in the region.

The Kenya National Highways Authority, responsible for managing Class S, A, and B roads, has also been linked to Kandie through the alleged use of its project vehicles. KeNHA, under Director General Kung’u Ndung’u, is grappling with its own challenges, including a Sh35 billion debt to landowners for compulsory land acquisitions.

The claims have reignited debates about the accountability of public officials and the need for stricter oversight of government resources.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Asset Recovery Agency have previously investigated KeRRA officials, including a 2021 case involving deputy procurement manager Margaret Wanja Muthui, who was accused of acquiring properties worth Sh374 million through alleged kickbacks. Whether these latest claims will prompt a formal investigation into Kandie’s conduct remains to be seen.

As Kenya continues to invest heavily in infrastructure, with KeRRA and KeNHA overseeing billions of shillings in road projects, the allegations against Kandie underscore the importance of transparency in public office. The government has yet to comment on the matter, and further developments are expected as the public demands answers.

For now, the spotlight remains on Philemon Kandie, whose leadership at KeRRA is once again under scrutiny. The public awaits official confirmation of the claims and any subsequent action to address the alleged misuse of government vehicles.