DNK International By Our Reporter,Nairobi
The Kenya Railways Board has remained tight lipped over the status of Managing Director Philip Mainga following the expiry of his contract on January 3, raising questions about transparency at one of the country’s oldest and most strategic state corporations.
Kenya Railways, a key parastatal with significant public and international interest in the transport and logistics sector, has yet to issue an official statement on whether Mainga’s contract has been renewed or extended.
However, developments within the agency suggest that the Managing Director has continued to discharge his duties uninterrupted.
Insiders at the corporation indicate that Mainga has been granted a one year contract extension, allowing him to serve until he attains the mandatory public service retirement age of 60.
Currently aged 59, the extension would see Mainga serve a third term at the helm of the railway operator.
Despite these indications, the absence of formal communication from the board has drawn attention to the constitutional and legal obligations governing public access to information.
Article 35 of the Kenyan Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to access information held by the State, as well as information required for the exercise or protection of any right or fundamental freedom.
The Constitution further obligates the State to publish and publicise any important information affecting the nation.
These provisions are reinforced by the Access to Information Act, 2016, which establishes a clear framework requiring public institutions to proactively disclose information and respond to requests for access to information.
As Kenya Railways continues to play a critical role in the country’s transport infrastructure and economic development, stakeholders are now watching closely for official clarification from the board on the leadership status of the agency.
[DNK-International@January 10,2026]
