Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Davis Chirchir was on Wednesday put to task to explain why the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) uses private vehicles to conduct highway patrols.

Responding to questions posed by Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, Chirchir said the patrols are part of road maintenance efforts.

“KeNHA utilises privately owned vehicles as it outsources road maintenance works through Performance-Based Contracts. Under these contracts, particularly on critical roads such as Thika Road and the Nairobi Southern Bypass, the scope includes regular road patrols to monitor compliance with traffic regulations, rapid response to incidents and breakdowns, protection of road infrastructure, including streetlights and guardrails, and immediate assistance to motorists in distress,” Chirchir explained to the Senate.

He added that the patrol vehicles are owned by contractors engaged under the performance-based contracts and are responsible for specific road maintenance duties.

When asked whether KeNHA plans to acquire its own patrol vehicles like other state corporations, Chirchir said, “The Authority does not intend to procure its own patrol vehicles.”

However, he noted that situations where KeNHA staff inspect roads using their own vehicles require “further clarity.”

Chirchir was also asked if using privately owned vehicles is cost-efficient compared to acquiring KeNHA-owned ones.

“It is clear that we tender for maintenance over a specified period of a year or two years, and the contractor awarded is responsible for maintaining the road like any other contractor,” he noted.

He clarified that the periodic maintenance contract is a private arrangement, and the contractor is expected to provide their own means of transport.

“That said, there shouldn’t be an issue with KeNHA staff using the Authority’s vehicles for inspection purposes, and I will follow up on that matter,” he said.