The Weekly Vision can authoritatively report that Eng. Kimeli is the preferred candidate of the deep state, a hidden, unelected network of power brokers who operate behind the scenes to shape key government decisions. Such backing could give Kimeli a considerable edge over other contenders.
Although Kimeli has never previously worked for KeNHA, his technical and engineering credentials, coupled with his management experience at the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), where he also served as Acting Director-General, are seen as notable strengths. At KeRRA, he held senior roles including Regional Manager and Director of Road Maintenance.
Supporters of Kimeli’s candidature cite his two-and-a-half-year tenure as Acting DG at KeRRA, during which he is credited with overseeing a wide array of rural infrastructure projects. These projects were a national priority under former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration.
Rural infrastructure tends to attract immense interest from elected leaders. As such, the Director-General of KeRRA must possess excellent interpersonal skills to manage interactions with MPs, Senators, Governors, MCAs, and other stakeholders. The deep state credits Kimeli with these vital attributes, demonstrated during his time at KeRRA.
“I worked with Mr Kimeli at KeRRA, and I can confirm he has an unmatched ability to manage strategic relationships, even with the most overbearing of MPs,” a former MP close to the President told The Weekly Vision. “As infrastructure secretary, Kimeli handled sensitive information discreetly and made key decisions aligned with the broader Kenya Kwanza agenda under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA),” the source added, without elaborating further.
Kimeli’s pro-establishment stance is also expected to boost his prospects under President William Ruto’s administration. His alignment with the ruling coalition is viewed as an asset for ensuring policy continuity and the efficient implementation of government infrastructure initiatives.
To those in power, Kimeli represents a reliable figure who can help deliver visible development outcomes ahead of the 2027 General Election. As DG, he would be well-positioned to oversee the timely rollout of road projects in politically strategic constituencies, areas of high electoral value to the President and the government.
Born in 1973, Kimeli is a seasoned civil engineer with extensive experience in planning, policy formulation, and construction management. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA), both from the University of Nairobi.
Ahead of the 2022 General Election, Kimeli reportedly played a pivotal role in mobilising support for President Ruto across Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, and Uasin Gishu counties, further cementing his reputation as a loyal insider within the current administration.
During the same period, a fierce political showdown emerged between then-Baringo Senator Gideon Moi and then-Cherangany MP Joshua Kutuny, after Moi orchestrated Kimeli’s ouster from KeRRA and succeeded in installing his own ally, Eng. Philemon Kandie, a fellow Baringo native.
The position of KeNHA Director-General fell vacant a fortnight ago following a boardroom shake-up that led to the abrupt resignation of Eng. Kung’u Ndung’u. Kimeli was promptly appointed in an acting capacity.
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