Introduction

The Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) has announced one of its largest recruitment drives, offering 308 employment opportunities across various professional levels and disciplines. This comprehensive recruitment initiative, published in December 2025, represents a significant opportunity for qualified Kenyan citizens to contribute to the nation’s rural road infrastructure development. The application deadline has been set for January 13, 2026, by 5:00 PM.

This article provides a detailed breakdown of all available positions, requirements, application procedures, and essential information for prospective candidates seeking to join Kenya’s premier rural roads development agency.

About Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA)

KeRRA is a State Corporation operating under the Ministry of Roads and Transport, established through the Kenya Roads Act of 2007. The Authority carries the critical mandate of developing, managing, maintaining, and rehabilitating rural roads across Kenya’s 47 counties. With its motto “Connecting Devolved Kenya,” KeRRA plays a pivotal role in linking rural communities to markets, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and other essential services.

The Authority’s work directly impacts millions of Kenyans living in rural areas, facilitating economic growth, social development, and improved quality of life through enhanced road connectivity.

Overview of Available Positions

The current recruitment drive encompasses 308 positions distributed across three main employment categories:

Senior Management Positions (18 Vacancies)

These include executive-level roles offered on both contractual and permanent terms:

Contract Positions (Grade 1-2):

• Director General (1 position) – 3-year contract
• Director Internal Audit (1 position) – 3-year contract

Permanent and Pensionable Positions (Grade 3):

• Deputy Director – Roads (9 positions)
• Deputy Director – Enterprise Risk Management (1 position)
• Deputy Director – Planning (1 position)
• Deputy Director – Legal Affairs (1 position)
• Deputy Director – Survey (1 position)
• Deputy Director – Supply Chain Management (1 position)
• Deputy Director – Research & Innovation (1 position)
• Deputy Director – Administration (1 position)

Middle Management and Technical Positions (290 Vacancies)

This category spans Grades 4 through 12 and includes diverse roles across engineering, finance, legal, administration, human resources, ICT, and support services. Key positions include:

Grade 4 Assistant Directors (17 positions):

• Assistant Director – Roads (5 positions)
• Assistant Director – Finance and Accounts (4 positions)
• Assistant Director – Planning, Legal Affairs, Administration, and other specialized roles

Grade 5 Principal Officers (58 positions):

• Principal Engineer (25 positions)
• Principal Supply Chain Management Officer (10 positions)
• Principal Accountant (5 positions)
• Principal Internal Auditor (5 positions)
• Various specialized principal-level roles

Grade 6 Senior Officers (78 positions):

• Senior Engineer (23 positions)
• Senior Supply Chain Management Assistant (23 positions)
• Senior Accountant and other senior technical positions

Grade 7-12 Entry to Mid-Level Positions (137 positions):

• Engineers (25 positions)
• Engineering Technicians (30 positions)
• Drivers (30 positions)
• Accountants (26 positions)
• Various support and technical staff

Key Positions and Their Requirements

1. Director General (Grade 1)

Responsibilities: The Director General position represents the highest executive office at KeRRA, responsible for overall strategic leadership, policy implementation, and resource management. Key duties include coordinating operations, developing policies, managing funds and staff, enforcing constitutional values, and overseeing enterprise risk management.

Requirements:

• Minimum 15 years of experience with at least 10 years post-registration in highway and road engineering
• At least 10 years in a managerial position within the road sector
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering
• Master’s degree from a recognized institution
• Professional registration with Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK)
• Valid annual practicing license from EBK
• Membership of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK)
• Leadership course of at least 4 weeks
• Computer proficiency
• Must satisfy Chapter Six constitutional requirements

2. Director Internal Audit (Grade 2)

Responsibilities: This role oversees the formulation and implementation of internal audit policies, ensures institutional compliance, manages risk-based audit programs, and supervises organizational information systems.

Requirements:

• 15 years of relevant experience, with 3 years as Deputy Director Internal Audit
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Commerce, or Business Administration
• Master’s degree in related fields
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) qualification
• CISA certification (where applicable)
• Professional membership with Institute of Internal Auditors Kenya
• Leadership course of at least 4 weeks

3. Deputy Director Engineering (Roads) – Grade 3 (9 Vacancies)

Areas of Deployment:

• Design Survey and Environment
• Roads Development
• Road Asset Management
• Policy, Strategy & Compliance
• Quality Assurance
• Labour Based Construction & Public Private Partnership

Requirements:

• 15 years of relevant experience with 3 years as Assistant Director
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering
• Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Project Management, Construction Management, or related fields
• Professional qualification and EBK membership
• Valid annual practicing license
• IEK membership
• Leadership course (4 weeks minimum)

4. Principal Engineer (Grade 5) – 25 Vacancies

This position offers the most significant number of opportunities for qualified civil engineers and covers various specializations including design, development, asset management, policy compliance, and quality assurance.

Requirements:

• 9 years of relevant experience with 3 years as Senior Engineer
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering
• Professional EBK qualification and membership
• Valid annual practicing license
• Management course (4 weeks)
• Computer proficiency

5. Accountant Positions (Various Grades)

KeRRA is recruiting accountants at multiple levels:

Principal Accountant (Grade 5) – 5 positions Senior Accountant (Grade 6) – 5 positions Accountant II (Grade 8) – 26 positions

General Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Commerce (Accounting/Finance option)
• CPA Part III (for senior levels) or Part I (for entry level)
• ICPAK registration and good standing
• Relevant work experience varying by grade
• Computer proficiency

Application Process and Requirements

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted ONLINE ONLY. Hard copy applications will not be accepted.

For Management Positions (Grades 1-2): Email to: [email protected] Address to: The Chairman – Board of Directors

For Other Positions (Grades 3-12): Email to: [email protected] Address to: The Director General

Application Documents Required

Applicants must submit the following documents via email:

1. Duly signed application letter indicating the specific position and reference number
2. Updated curriculum vitae with names of at least three (3) professional referees
3. Copies of academic certificates
4. Professional certificates (where applicable)
5. National identity card copy
6. Email subject line must contain the job title and job reference number

Pre-Employment Clearances

Successful candidates must present the following documents before receiving an offer letter:

1. Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) from Kenya Revenue Authority
2. Clearance certificate from Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
3. Certificate of Good Conduct from Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
4. Self-Declaration/Clearance from Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)
5. Clearance certificate from approved Credit Reference Bureau (CRB)

All candidates must satisfy the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 regarding leadership and integrity.

Important Dates and Deadlines

Application Deadline: January 13, 2026, by 5:00 PM

Note: There was an initial error in the published notice showing the deadline as January 13, 2025. KeRRA issued a correction confirming the correct deadline as January 13, 2026.

Tips for Successful Application

1. Understand the Position Requirements

Carefully review the detailed job specifications for your desired position. Ensure you meet all mandatory requirements before applying, particularly:

• Required years of experience
• Academic qualifications
• Professional certifications and licenses
• Membership in relevant professional bodies

2. Prepare a Comprehensive CV

Your curriculum vitae should:

• Highlight relevant experience in chronological order
• Emphasize achievements and quantifiable results
• Include all relevant certifications and training
• Provide accurate contact information for professional referees
• Be tailored to the specific position you’re applying for

3. Craft a Compelling Cover Letter

Your application letter should:

• Clearly state the position and reference number
• Demonstrate understanding of KeRRA’s mandate
• Highlight how your experience aligns with job requirements
• Express genuine interest in contributing to rural road development
• Be professionally written and error-free

4. Organize Your Documents

• Ensure all certificates are clear and legible
• Arrange documents in a logical order
• Use PDF format for submission to maintain formatting
• Name your files appropriately (e.g., “John_Doe_CV.pdf”)

5. Meet All Constitutional Requirements

Be prepared to obtain all required clearance certificates. Start this process early as some documents may take time to acquire:

• Visit KRA’s iTax portal for tax compliance
• Apply for HELB clearance online
• Book an appointment for DCI certificate of good conduct
• Complete EACC self-declaration forms
• Obtain CRB clearance from approved bureaus

Career Development Opportunities at KeRRA

Professional Growth

KeRRA offers significant opportunities for professional development through:

• Exposure to diverse road engineering projects
• Training programs and capacity building initiatives
• Leadership development courses
• Performance-based career progression
• Collaboration with international development partners

Work Environment

Employees at KeRRA benefit from:

• Competitive remuneration packages aligned with approved HR instruments
• Permanent and pensionable terms for most positions
• Opportunity to impact rural communities nationwide
• Professional work environment
• Clear career progression pathways

Diversity and Inclusion

KeRRA is an equal opportunity employer committed to:

• Gender equality in the workplace
• Encouraging persons with disabilities (PWD) to apply
• Maintaining diversity across all levels
• Merit-based recruitment processes

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I apply for multiple positions? A: While the notice doesn’t explicitly prohibit this, it’s advisable to apply for positions you’re most qualified for to increase your chances of success.

Q: What happens if I miss the deadline? A: Applications received after January 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM will not be considered. Ensure timely submission.

Q: Are there age limits for these positions? A: Age limits are not specified, but experience requirements indirectly determine eligible age ranges. All candidates must meet constitutional requirements.

Q: Will all applicants be contacted? A: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you don’t hear from KeRRA within a reasonable period after the deadline, your application was unsuccessful.

Q: Is canvassing allowed? A: Absolutely not. The advertisement explicitly states that any form of canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.

Q: Can non-Kenyans apply? A: No. All positions are open only to Kenyan citizens.

Q: What is the validity of required certificates? A: Ensure all professional licenses and practicing certificates are current and valid at the time of application and appointment.

Understanding KeRRA’s Strategic Importance

Impact on Rural Development

KeRRA’s work directly contributes to Kenya’s development agenda by:

• Connecting remote communities to essential services
• Facilitating agricultural produce transportation to markets
• Enabling access to healthcare and education
• Supporting devolution through improved county connectivity
• Creating employment opportunities in rural areas

Alignment with National Goals

The Authority’s operations align with:

• Kenya’s Vision 2030 development blueprint
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• The Constitution of Kenya 2010
• County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs)
• National road sector policies and strategies

Special Positions of Interest

Research and Innovation Role

The Deputy Director – Research & Innovation position (Grade 3) represents KeRRA’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge solutions in rural road development. This role involves:

• Developing research strategies
• Promoting climate-smart solutions
• Facilitating technology adoption
• Managing partnerships with universities and research institutions
• Identifying funding for innovation initiatives

Enterprise Risk Management

The Deputy Director – Enterprise Risk Management position reflects modern governance practices, focusing on:

• Coordinating risk management activities
• Developing risk mitigation strategies
• Facilitating risk identification across business units
• Maintaining business continuity plans
• Ensuring disaster recovery preparedness

Quality Assurance and Compliance

Multiple positions focus on ensuring KeRRA’s projects meet international standards through:

• Technical audits for works and services
• ISO Quality Management System implementation
• Road safety audits
• Environmental and social safeguards compliance
• Performance monitoring and evaluation

Salary and Benefits Information

While specific salary scales are not published in the advertisement, KeRRA positions offer:

• Competitive remuneration based on approved HR instruments
• Permanent and pensionable terms (for most positions)
• Medical cover and insurance benefits
• Leave entitlements as per public service regulations
• Professional development opportunities
• Performance-based incentives

Salaries are typically aligned with the Kenya Government’s public service salary structure for similar grades and positions.

Final Checklist Before Applying

Before submitting your application, ensure:

✅ You meet ALL minimum requirements for the position ✅ Your CV is updated and tailored to the role ✅ Your application letter clearly states position and reference number ✅ All certificates are attached and legible ✅ Your professional referees are aware and contactable ✅ The email subject line includes job title and reference ✅ You’re applying to the correct email address ✅ Your application is submitted before the deadline ✅ You have no plans to engage in canvassing ✅ You can obtain all required clearance certificates if successful

Conclusion

The Kenya Rural Roads Authority’s recruitment of 308 professionals represents an exceptional opportunity to join a prestigious state corporation making tangible impacts on Kenya’s development. Whether you’re a seasoned professional seeking executive leadership roles or an entry-level graduate beginning your career, KeRRA offers diverse opportunities across engineering, finance, legal, administration, ICT, and support services.

Success in this recruitment process requires thorough preparation, ensuring you meet all requirements, submitting a compelling application, and adhering to all guidelines. The emphasis on constitutional values, professional qualifications, and practical experience reflects KeRRA’s commitment to recruiting competent, ethical professionals who will advance its mandate effectively.

For detailed job descriptions and requirements, visit the official KeRRA website at www.kerra.go.ke. Direct any enquiries to [email protected].

Remember: The deadline is January 13, 2026, by 5:00 PM. Plan your application early, gather all necessary documents, and submit before the deadline. This could be your opportunity to contribute to connecting devolved Kenya through improved rural road infrastructure.

Good luck with your application!

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Disclaimer: This article is based on the official KeRRA job advertisement published in December 2025. Applicants should verify all information on the official KeRRA website and refer to the detailed notice for complete job specifications.