Concerns are growing within the Kenya Rural Roads Authority over claims that the process of appointing a new Director General may have been compromised. Insiders say the competition for the top job has moved beyond qualifications and interviews into a space driven by money, influence, and fear.
At the center of these claims is Acting Director General Eng. Jackson Magondu, who is accused by multiple sources of trying to secure his confirmation through questionable means.
According to staff familiar with the process, Eng. Magondu applied for the Director General position like other candidates and went through the interview stage.
Publicly, everything appeared orderly and professional. Privately, however, sources claim that he became worried about his chances after the interviews and began seeking other ways to secure the role.
They allege that he reached out to contractors who have benefited from KeRRA projects for years, asking them to help raise large sums of money to influence the final decision.
These contractors are said to be firms that have repeatedly won tenders and benefited from project changes that pushed costs higher.
Insiders claim that trusted managers, some promoted during Magondu’s time as acting DG, were used as links between him and these companies.
The aim, sources say, was to move quickly before the appointment decision was finalized.
Staff also claim that Magondu used the names of powerful government figures to silence critics and intimidate rivals.
There is no public proof that senior officials are involved, but employees say the mention of big names created fear and discouraged questions.
Within KeRRA, workers describe an environment where speaking out can lead to transfers, stalled careers, or isolation.
Beyond the alleged financial scheme, there are also quiet complaints from female staff who say they experienced sexual harassment.
Sources claim these complaints never went far and were buried by senior managers. No court has ruled on these matters, and no investigation has been completed, but the lack of action has raised concern among employees.
Tension has also been reported between Magondu and his deputy, Eng. Enock Arita Kombo. Insiders say the acting DG views his deputy as a threat because of his deep knowledge of the agency.
This rivalry, they believe, has added urgency to the alleged push to secure the DG position quickly.KeRRA’s troubled history adds weight to these fears.
Past scandals, including the arrest of former Director General Philemon Kandie in 2025 over graft allegations, still haunt the agency. Many staff say the same networks and contractors remained even after his exit.
The Director General controls huge budgets and key decisions, making the position highly attractive. If the allegations are true, the cost will be felt by ordinary Kenyans through poor roads and wasted public funds.
The decision now before appointing authorities will determine whether KeRRA finally breaks from its past or repeats it once again.
Add Comment