Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu has demanded answers from Roads and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir regarding the use of vehicles with private number plates by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) during patrols on major highways.

“CS Chirchir, why does the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) use privately owned motor vehicles for patrols on highways? Who owns these patrol vehicles, and how are their services procured?” Nyutu questioned.

In response, CS Chirchir clarified that the vehicles in question are not owned by KeNHA but by contractors engaged under performance-based maintenance contracts.

These contractors are responsible for routine road maintenance and patrol operations, and the vehicles they use remain privately registered under their ownership for the duration of the contracts.

“The patrol vehicles are owned by performance-based contractors, who are assigned the contracts based on performance-based contracts,” Chirchir said.

While appearing before the Senate on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, the CS explained that KeNHA outsources maintenance services for critical highways such as the Southern Bypass and Thika Road.

Under these performance-based contracts, the scope of work includes regular patrols to ensure compliance with traffic rules, rapid response to incidents and vehicle breakdowns, protection of infrastructure like streetlights and guardrails, as well as providing immediate assistance to motorists in distress.

“KENHA utilises privately owned vehicles as it outsources routine road maintenance works through performance-based contracts. Under these contracts, especially on critical roads like the southern bypass and Thika Road, the scope includes regular road patrol to monitor compliance with traffic regulations, rapid response to incidents and breakdowns, protection of road infrastructure including street lighting and guard rails, and immediate assistance to motorists in distress,” he added.

Assurance to Senate

Chirchir assured the Senate that the use of privately owned patrol vehicles is part of a structured and regulated system aimed at ensuring efficiency and safety on major roads.

He emphasised that KeNHA remains accountable for the overall supervision of these contracts and ensures that all activities, including road patrols, adhere to set guidelines and standards.