The High Court has ruled against the appointment of Aisha Jumwa as Chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board, declaring it unconstitutional.

In a ruling delivered by Justice Bahati Mwamuye on Wednesday May 20, Jumwa’s appointment failed to comply with mandatory legal requirements set out under the Kenya Roads Board Act.

According to Mwamuye, the court found that the appointment process fell short of constitutional standards outlined in Articles 10, 47, and 232 on transparency, accountability, fairness, and fair administrative action.

“The appointment of Honourable Aisha Jumwa Katana as Chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board was undertaken without demonstrable compliance with the mandatory statutory framework prescribed under Section 7 of the Kenya Roads Board Act No. 7 of 1999,” Justice Mwamuye stated.

Justice Mwamuye further directed that a fresh appointment be made in accordance with the KRB Act and the law. “A fresh appointment must follow the KRB Act and the Constitution.”

The decision stems from a High Court petition lodged by activist Francis Awino, who contested the former CS’s appointment citing multiple legal violations.

The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) also opposed the appointment, arguing that Jumwa lacked the technical and professional qualifications required to manage a technically specialized board.

President William Ruto appointed Jumwa as the non-executive chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board in January 2025, a move that sparked widespread controversy and public debate.