A political storm is brewing in Kenya’s infrastructure sector following the abrupt resignation of Eng. Philemon Kandie, MBS, as Director General of the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA).
Kandie’s dramatic exit, confirmed by KeRRA on Friday, July 11, 2025, comes just days after he was linked to the financing of the controversial nationwide protests that shook Kenya in June.
KeRRA’s public notice stated:
“The Authority wishes to inform the general public of the resignation of Eng. Philemon Kandie, MBS, as the Director General of Kenya Rural Roads Authority, effective 11th July, 2025.”
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Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura also published a copy of Kandie’s resignation letter, in which the now-former DG cited a three-month notice effective July 11, 2025, with his last working day being October 10, 2025. Kandie indicated that he would proceed on his 45 days’ annual leave starting July 14.
“This letter serves as a formal notification of my resignation from the position of Director General at Kenya Rural Roads Authority… I wish to proceed on my 45 days’ annual leave during the period of my notice effective 14th July 2025,” wrote Kandie.
However, the resignation comes under the cloud of serious allegations that could haunt Kandie’s legacy.
On July 2, a petition was filed at the High Court demanding Kandie’s removal from office. The petition accuses him of abusing his position by allegedly channeling state funds through shell companies and KeRRA-linked contractors to finance violent protest activities across the country.
Investigative and intelligence reports allegedly tied the KeRRA procurement system to the funding and logistical support of the groups involved in the chaos.
The petitioner further claims Kandie violated key constitutional provisions, including abuse of office, breach of public trust, misuse of public resources, and failure to uphold national values as outlined under Chapter Six of the Constitution.
The legal filing seeks a declaration of gross misconduct, a permanent injunction barring Kandie from holding any public office, and a directive for the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to open an investigation into KeRRA’s financial dealings during his tenure.
While Kandie has yet to respond to the grave accusations, his resignation adds fuel to the fire, raising more questions than answers. In the interim, KeRRA has appointed Jackson K. Magondu, the current Director of Planning, Design and Environment, as acting Director General.
This unfolding saga signals turbulent times for Kenya’s public institutions, as questions loom over the integrity and accountability of those entrusted with national development.
