Roads and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has clarified why vehicles bearing private number plates are being used for patrols on highways by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), stating that the vehicles are not government-owned but belong to contractors engaged under performance-based maintenance contracts.
Chirchir was responding to concerns raised by Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, who had sought answers regarding the ownership and procurement of the patrol vehicles operating under KeNHA’s banner.
“CS Chirchir, why does the Kenya National Highways Authority use privately owned motor vehicles for patrols on highways? Who owns these patrol vehicles, and how are their services procured?” Nyutu asked during the Senate session.
In his response, Chirchir explained that KeNHA outsources maintenance and patrol services for key roads such as Thika Road and the Nairobi Southern Bypass to contractors under structured performance-based contracts.
The vehicles used remain privately owned and registered under the contractors for the duration of their contractual obligations.
“The patrol vehicles are owned by performance-based contractors who are assigned maintenance contracts through a competitive process in accordance with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015,” Chirchir said.
He outlined that the scope of these contracts includes regular road patrols to monitor traffic rule compliance, rapid response to incidents and vehicle breakdowns, safeguarding road infrastructure like streetlights and guardrails and offering immediate assistance to motorists in distress.
Chirchir maintained that the model ensures efficiency in highway maintenance and enhances road safety, especially on high-traffic corridors.
“KeNHA utilises privately owned vehicles as it outsources routine road maintenance works,” Chirchir said.
“This arrangement ensures efficient maintenance while enhancing overall road safety.”
On whether KeNHA intends to acquire its own patrol fleet, Chirchir clarified that the authority has no such plans, as the contractors are responsible for providing the vehicles needed to fulfil their maintenance duties.
“The authority does not intend to procure its own patrol vehicles. Contractors are expected to use their own equipment to meet the terms of their contracts,” he said.
Chirchir concluded by acknowledging that while contractors
handle operational patrols, KeNHA personnel use official government vehicles
for inspection and oversight.
