Whistleblower Nelson Amenya, known for exposing the Adani deal, has raised alarms over the integrity of the Kenya Rural Roads Authority's (KeRRA) recruitment for its next Director General. He questions the unexplained extension of the application deadline and highlights concerns about board chairman Anthony Mwaura and acting DG Jackson Magondu. The scrutiny underscores ongoing controversies at the agency plagued by corruption allegations.
The recruitment process for senior positions at the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) has drawn significant controversy following whistleblower Nelson Amenya's revelations. Amenya, who rose to national prominence by exposing a controversial Ksh230 billion deal between the Kenyan government and the Adani Group in June 2024, has questioned the unexplained extension of the application deadline for 18 senior roles from January 13 to January 20, 2026. This move raises suspicions of favoritism toward late applicants and undermines the process's credibility from the outset. At the heart of the issue is Board Chairman Anthony Mwaura, whose appointment has fueled debates on whether corruption-accused individuals should hold key public roles. Mwaura faced charges alongside former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and 16 others for allegedly embezzling Ksh357 million from Nairobi County via his companies in a protracted case. He was acquitted in February 2024 not due to proven innocence, but because the prosecution absconded from proceedings, as noted by the magistrate who had earlier labeled him the 'main suspect' and refused to drop charges. In July 2024, the High Court declared his appointment as KRA Chairman illegal, citing his ongoing charges, with Justice Gikonyo dismissing his defenses as 'unfortunate and arrogant.' Rather than dismissal, Mwaura was reassigned as KeRRA Chairman in December 2024—an agency that awards road construction tenders—despite owning firms that bid on government contracts. Amenya also points out that Acting Director General Eng. Jackson Magondu has held the role since July 11, 2025, exceeding the six-month limit under Section 34(3) of the Public Service Commission Act, rendering it unlawful. Reports suggest Magondu may apply for the permanent position, creating a clear conflict. “Sources indicate he may be applying for the same DG position he's currently acting in. This is a fundamental conflict of interest. How can someone who controls the organization's operations, timelines, and influences recruitment criteria also be a candidate? Policy doesn't allow this. He should step aside,” Amenya stated. The University of Nairobi serves as recruitment consultants, but Amenya alleges Mwaura has been lobbying them privately to sway outcomes. KeRRA is mired in scandals, with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission recommending Ksh2.048 billion in prosecutions against officials, and former DG Philemon Kandie resigning in July 2025 amid claims of misusing Ksh4.6 billion.
