The Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) plays a critical role in maintaining Kenya’s road infrastructure, which is vital for economic growth and connectivity. Established under the Kenya Roads Act of 2007 and operational since September 2008, KeNHA is tasked with the development, rehabilitation, management, and maintenance of national trunk roads.
National trunk roads are classified into three categories: Class S, Class A, and Class B roads, each serving distinct functions to enhance road network efficiency.
Road Classification
1. Class S Roads
Class S roads are highways connecting major cities, designed to handle large volumes of traffic at high operational speeds. These roads are typically paved for optimal performance and span a total of 40 kilometers.
2. Class A Roads
These are strategic highways forming critical routes and corridors linking Kenya to international borders, airports, and seaports. Class A roads cover 6,830 kilometers, of which 4,975 kilometers are paved and 1,855 kilometers remain unpaved.
3. Class B Roads
Class B roads link important national hubs, including county headquarters and economic centers, to the national capital or Class A roads. These roads span 14,713 kilometers, comprising 7,202 kilometers of paved roads and 7,511 kilometers of unpaved roads.
KeNHA’s Regional Presence
To streamline operations and ensure efficient road management, KeNHA operates through 10 regional offices and 3 corridor management offices, which oversee specific road networks across the country. Below is a comprehensive list of KeNHA’s regional offices, their locations, and contact details:
1. Nairobi Region Head Office
Located at Barabara Plaza near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the Nairobi office serves as KeNHA’s headquarters, overseeing overall management and operations.
- Location: Barabara Plaza, Block A & C, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Off Airport South Road
- Contacts: 020 495 4000, 0700 423 606
- Email: dg@kenha.co.ke
2. Upper Eastern Region
The Upper Eastern regional office, based in Isiolo, manages road infrastructure in the expansive semi-arid areas of Eastern Kenya.
- Location: Isiolo
- Contact: 064 535 2074
- Email: rd.uppereastern@kenha.co.ke
3. Lower Eastern Region
This office focuses on road networks in Machakos and surrounding counties, enhancing connectivity in one of Kenya’s key agricultural regions.
- Location: Machakos
- Contact: 044 2020 287
- Email: rd.lowereastern@kenha.co.ke
4. Coast Region
The Coast regional office oversees roads in Mombasa and neighboring areas, including strategic corridors connecting the Port of Mombasa to the hinterlands.
- Location: Mombasa
- Contacts: 020 265 3702, 0700 344 891
- Email: rd.coast@kenha.co.ke
5. South Rift Region
Based in Nakuru, the South Rift office manages road infrastructure in one of Kenya’s most populous and economically active regions.
- Location: Nakuru
- Contact: 0785 663 508
- Email: rd.southrift@kenha.co.ke
6. North Rift Region
The North Rift office, located in Eldoret, serves as the hub for road infrastructure in this agriculturally rich region.
- Location: Eldoret
- Contact: 0777 127 531
- Email: rd.northrift@kenha.co.ke
7. Central Region
Located in Nyeri, the Central regional office oversees road networks that connect Kenya’s central highlands to the rest of the country.
- Location: Nyeri
- Contacts: 061 203 4419, 0704 000 133
- Email: rd.central@kenha.co.ke
8. Nyanza Region
The Nyanza office, situated in Kisumu, ensures road connectivity across the western parts of Kenya, including access to Lake Victoria.
- Location: Kisumu
- Contacts: 0708 711 137
- Email: rd.nyanza@kenha.co.ke
9. North Eastern Region
The Garissa office focuses on managing roads in North Eastern Kenya, a region characterized by its arid environment.
- Location: Garissa
- Contact: 020 221 4100
- Email: rd.northeastern@kenha.co.ke
10. Western Region
Based in Kakamega, the Western office manages road infrastructure in Kenya’s lush, agriculturally rich region.
- Location: Kakamega
- Contacts: 056 203 0089, 0712 305 770
- Email: rd.western@kenha.co.ke
Key Functions of KeNHA Regional Offices
Each regional office plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation and maintenance of national trunk roads. Key responsibilities include:
- Road Maintenance: Regular inspections and repairs to ensure safety and efficiency.
- Development Projects: Supervising construction and upgrading of highways to meet international standards.
- Traffic Management: Collaborating with traffic authorities to manage congestion and enhance road safety.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Working with county governments, private contractors, and other stakeholders.
KeNHA’s Role in Kenya’s Development
KeNHA’s efforts are pivotal in transforming Kenya into a transport hub for East and Central Africa. By improving road infrastructure, the authority contributes significantly to:
- Economic Growth: Facilitating trade and market access.
- Regional Integration: Connecting Kenya to neighboring countries like Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia.
- Tourism Development: Enhancing accessibility to major tourist destinations.
- Urbanization: Supporting the growth of cities and towns through modern road networks.
Challenges Faced by KeNHA
Despite its successes, KeNHA faces various challenges, including:
- Funding Gaps: Limited budget allocations for extensive road projects.
- Corruption: Instances of mismanagement and fraudulent practices.
- Climate Change: Adverse weather conditions that damage infrastructure.
- Land Acquisition: Delays due to disputes over compensation.
The Kenya National Highway Authority plays a vital role in Kenya’s socio-economic development by ensuring a well-maintained and reliable road network. With its strategic regional offices, KeNHA continues to address the dynamic transportation needs of the country, fostering connectivity, trade, and prosperity.