Parliament is on the verge of passing a crucial amendment that will reduce the term limits for directors-general of key road agencies from a maximum of 10 years to six. The Kenya Roads (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2025, is expected to be voted on during the Second Reading stage on Thursday, June 19.
Sponsored by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, the Bill aims to align the governance of road agencies the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), and Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) with the Mwongozo Code of Governance for State Corporations. This code stipulates that CEOs should serve a maximum of two three-year terms, subject to satisfactory performance.
Currently, directors-general in these agencies serve five-year renewable terms, allowing for up to 10 years in office. These provisions were introduced during the 12th Parliament but have been criticised for diverging from standard governance practices.
“The principal object of the Bill is to amend Section 13 of the Kenya Roads Act, Cap 408, to align it with the Mwongozo Code,” Ichung’wah stated while moving the motion. “This move seeks to enhance performance, accountability, and good governance within state corporations.”
If passed, the Bill will reduce the term from five to three years, renewable once. Those currently serving will complete their ongoing terms, but only those in their first term may be eligible for an additional three-year extension.
Supporters of the Bill argue that the change will prevent entrenchment in office, reduce complacency, and allow for regular leadership renewal. The move is seen as part of broader government efforts to enforce governance reforms across state agencies.
The Bill is currently listed as item number 12 in Thursday’s Order Paper. If it successfully passes the Second Reading, it will proceed to the Third Reading before being submitted to the President for assent.
This legislation signals a strong push by Parliament to instill higher accountability standards across state parastatals, particularly in infrastructure development.
