KeNHA Director General Kungu Ndungu Steps Down

Luka Kimeli appointed as acting director general as agency navigates leadership transition

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is undergoing a significant leadership change following the resignation of Director General Kungu Ndungu, effective July 11, 2025.

In a statement released by the KeNHA Board of Directors, Chairperson Winfrida Ngumi confirmed the acceptance of Ndungu’s resignation without providing specific details about the circumstances leading to his departure. The civil engineer and business executive had served in the role since October 8, 2021, when he replaced the retiring Peter Mundinia.

“The Board of Directors hereby announces the acceptance of the resignation of Eng. Kungu Ndungu as Director General of the Kenya National Highways Authority,” the statement read, while simultaneously announcing Luka Kimeli’s appointment as acting director general for the transition period.

Ndungu’s resignation comes at a time of heightened scrutiny on Kenya’s road infrastructure agencies.

Remarkably, his departure coincides with that of Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) Director General Philemon Kandie, who also stepped down on the same day, raising questions about potential systemic issues within the transport sector’s leadership structure.

The timing of these dual resignations is particularly striking given the critical role both agencies play in Kenya’s infrastructure development.

KeNHA oversees the country’s highway network, while KeRRA manages rural road infrastructure that connects remote communities to economic opportunities.

For KeNHA, Ndungu’s departure marks the end of a tenure that spanned nearly four years during a period of significant infrastructure investment and development.

His background as both a civil engineer and business executive positioned him to navigate the technical and commercial aspects of highway development projects.

The board expressed confidence in acting Director General Kimeli’s ability to maintain operational continuity during the transition period.

However, the lack of detailed explanation for Ndungu’s departure leaves room for speculation about whether this was a voluntary resignation or part of broader organizational changes within the transport sector.