The Kenya National Highways Authority is a State Corporation established under the Kenya Roads Act, 2007 and operating under the Ministry of Roads and Transport. The Authority is mandated to manage, develop, rehabilitate, and maintain national trunk roads across the Republic of Kenya. In executing this mandate, the Authority plays a critical role in supporting economic growth, regional integration, road safety, and the efficient movement of people and goods.
To strengthen its leadership and technical capacity, the Authority has announced vacancies for several senior and middle-level positions. These opportunities are available on Permanent and Pensionable terms as well as on Contract terms of service of up to five years, subject to legal review, renewal based on performance, and the mandatory retirement age as prescribed under applicable laws.
This job advertisement is presented in a format suitable for a third-party job board and is intended to provide clear, detailed, and structured information about the available positions. The article focuses on job responsibilities and expectations only and does not introduce qualifications unless they are expressly part of the job description. All positions listed in the original notice have been fully included to ensure completeness and accuracy.
Applicants who are interested in these roles are required to download and complete the official job application form available on the Authority’s website, attach the required supporting documents, and submit their applications within the stipulated timeline. The application process, compliance requirements, and important notices are outlined at the end of this article.
Overview of Available Positions
The Authority invites applications from suitably qualified individuals to fill the following positions:
- Director General – Grade 1 – One Position
- Deputy Director, Legal and Board Services – Grade 3 – One Position
- Assistant Director, Land Valuation and Administration – Grade 4 – One Position
Each position carries distinct responsibilities and operates within a defined reporting and accountability framework. Detailed job descriptions for each role are provided below.
Director General – Grade 1
Position Overview
The Director General is the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya National Highways Authority and is responsible for the overall strategic leadership, management, and administration of the Authority. The role involves providing executive direction in the planning, development, and maintenance of national trunk roads while ensuring compliance with statutory, regulatory, and policy frameworks. The Director General is accountable to the Board of Directors and is expected to translate the Authority’s mandate into actionable programs and measurable outcomes.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Director General provides overall leadership and strategic direction to the Authority, ensuring that its mandate is executed effectively and efficiently. This includes overseeing the formulation, implementation, and review of strategic plans, policies, and annual work programs in alignment with national development priorities and the transport sector agenda.
The role involves supervising and coordinating all departments and functions within the Authority to ensure optimal performance and service delivery. The Director General ensures that operational plans are implemented within approved budgets and timelines, and that resources are utilized prudently and transparently.
The Director General is responsible for advising the Board of Directors on policy matters, strategic issues, and performance trends affecting the Authority. This includes preparing and presenting reports, proposals, and recommendations to the Board and implementing Board resolutions and directives.
Another key responsibility is ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and government policies, including those related to public finance management, procurement, human resource management, and corporate governance. The Director General is expected to foster a culture of integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct across the organization.
The position also entails representing the Authority in high-level engagements with government ministries, departments, agencies, development partners, contractors, consultants, and other stakeholders. This includes negotiating agreements, partnerships, and funding arrangements related to road infrastructure development and maintenance.
The Director General oversees the management of risk within the Authority, including identifying operational, financial, legal, and reputational risks and ensuring appropriate mitigation measures are in place. This responsibility extends to ensuring the safety, sustainability, and resilience of national trunk roads under the Authority’s jurisdiction.
Human resource leadership is another critical function of the role. The Director General ensures that the Authority attracts, develops, and retains a competent workforce, promotes performance management systems, and supports capacity building and succession planning.
Additionally, the Director General is responsible for ensuring effective communication within the Authority and with external stakeholders, promoting transparency in decision-making, and enhancing the public image and credibility of the institution.
Deputy Director, Legal and Board Services – Grade 3
Position Overview
The Deputy Director, Legal and Board Services is responsible for providing legal advisory services and overseeing Board secretariat functions within the Authority. The role supports the Director General and the Board by ensuring that the Authority’s operations, decisions, and contracts are legally sound and compliant with applicable laws and regulations. The position also plays a key role in corporate governance, risk management, and institutional compliance.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Deputy Director provides legal advice to the Board of Directors, the Director General, and management on a wide range of matters affecting the Authority. This includes interpreting statutes, regulations, policies, and contractual obligations relevant to road development, procurement, land acquisition, and public administration.
The role involves overseeing the drafting, review, and negotiation of contracts, agreements, memoranda of understanding, and other legal instruments entered into by the Authority. This ensures that the Authority’s interests are adequately protected and that contractual risks are minimized.
Another core responsibility is managing litigation and dispute resolution involving the Authority. The Deputy Director coordinates with external legal counsel, prepares legal briefs, monitors court cases, and advises management on legal strategies and outcomes.
The Deputy Director also oversees Board secretariat services, including the preparation and coordination of Board and committee meetings. This includes drafting agendas, circulating meeting papers, recording minutes, tracking implementation of Board resolutions, and ensuring compliance with governance procedures.
Ensuring compliance with corporate governance standards is a key aspect of the role. The Deputy Director advises the Board and management on best practices in governance, ethics, and accountability, and supports the implementation of governance frameworks and policies.
The position involves providing guidance on land acquisition processes, compensation matters, and statutory approvals required for road projects, in collaboration with relevant technical departments. This includes advising on legal risks associated with land ownership, easements, and resettlement issues.
The Deputy Director is also responsible for maintaining custody of the Authority’s legal documents, seals, and records, ensuring proper documentation and secure record management systems.
Additionally, the role includes supporting institutional risk management and compliance initiatives, conducting legal risk assessments, and contributing to internal training and awareness on legal and governance matters.
Assistant Director, Land Valuation and Administration – Grade 4
Position Overview
The Assistant Director, Land Valuation and Administration is responsible for coordinating land valuation, acquisition, and administration activities related to national trunk road projects. The role ensures that land-related processes are conducted in a lawful, transparent, and timely manner to support infrastructure development while safeguarding the rights of affected landowners and communities.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Assistant Director coordinates land valuation activities required for road development, rehabilitation, and maintenance projects. This includes overseeing valuation exercises to determine fair compensation for land, structures, and other assets affected by road projects.
The role involves managing land acquisition processes in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and guidelines. This includes liaising with relevant government agencies, such as the National Land Commission, county governments, and other stakeholders, to facilitate compulsory acquisition where applicable.
The Assistant Director ensures proper administration of land records and documentation related to road reserves, easements, and acquired land. This includes maintaining accurate and up-to-date records to support project implementation and audit requirements.
Another key responsibility is coordinating compensation and resettlement processes for project-affected persons. The Assistant Director supports the preparation and implementation of resettlement action plans, ensuring that compensation is processed fairly, promptly, and transparently.
The role also entails advising management and project teams on land-related risks and challenges, including disputes, encroachments, and claims. The Assistant Director works closely with legal and technical teams to address such issues and minimize project delays.
The Assistant Director participates in stakeholder engagement activities related to land acquisition and valuation, including consultations with affected communities, local leaders, and other interest groups. This helps to promote understanding, cooperation, and conflict resolution during project implementation.
In addition, the position supports compliance with environmental and social safeguard requirements related to land acquisition and resettlement, as prescribed by national laws and development partner frameworks.
The Assistant Director prepares reports and briefs on land valuation and administration matters for management review and decision-making, contributing to informed planning and oversight of road projects.
Terms of Service
The advertised positions are offered on either Permanent and Pensionable terms or on Contract terms of service of up to five years, subject to legal review, renewal based on performance, and compliance with the mandatory retirement age as provided under applicable law.
Successful candidates will be required to adhere to the Authority’s policies, codes of conduct, and performance management systems throughout their tenure.
Application Procedure
Interested candidates are required to download and complete the official job application form available on the Kenya National Highways Authority website. Applicants must attach copies of the following documents as part of their application:
• National Identity Card
• Curriculum Vitae
• Academic and professional certificates
• Testimonials
Applications must be submitted in accordance with the instructions provided in the job advertisement and received not later than 12th January 2025 at 5:00 pm. Late applications will not be considered.
Shortlisting and Compliance Requirements
Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview. Canvassing in any form will lead to automatic disqualification.
Shortlisted candidates will be required to satisfy the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya on Leadership and Integrity. During the interview stage, shortlisted applicants will be required to present the following clearance documents:
• Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Clearance Certificate
• Kenya Revenue Authority Tax Compliance Certificate
• Higher Education Loans Board Clearance Certificate or proof of ongoing repayments
• Certificate of Good Conduct issued by the National Police Service
• Certificate of Clearance from a Credit Reference Bureau
These documents are not required at the point of application but will be mandatory for candidates who progress to the interview stage.
Important Notice
The Kenya National Highways Authority is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals in accordance with applicable laws and government policies. The Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any application and to cancel the recruitment process at any stage without prior notice.
Applicants are advised to rely only on official communication from the Authority and to ensure that all information provided in their applications is accurate and complete.
