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Mwaniki Wahome
30 August 2010
Nairobi — The government has contracted three firms to manage weigh bridges in the country in major reforms aimed at curbing corruption.
The measures include replacement of manual scales used to determine axle weight with automated systems.
Kenya National Highways Authority director general engineer Meshack Kidenda said the new firms will take over in two weeks.
He said the measures will improve efficiency and reduce congestion such as that often experienced at Mlolongo in Athi River.
The reforms, which are driven jointly by the government and donors in the roads department, are intended to end the perennial problem of graft which has seen overweight vehicles destroy major roads, hence cutting their lifespan.
"This will effectively ensure that recommended axle weights on highways are adhered to and will eliminate collusion between officers manning these outlets and the bulk transporters," Mr Kidenda told the Nation.
He said the three firms are expected to improve service delivery and facilitate faster movement of cargo at weighbridges, which has been a major problem on the highways.
Neighbouring countries served by the highways have often complained over delay and corruption at these stations.
The reforms are part of the ongoing infrastructure development in the country, a major plank being the effective management of axle load as stipulated by the Traffic Act.
Mr Kidenda said the three companies will work in a seamless system with each auditing the other from Mariakani weighbridge through Mlolongo to Gilgil in the first phase.
The rest will also be put under contracted management by the end of the year.
In total, there are 13 weighbridges in the country, five fixed and the rest mobile.
The five are mounted at Mariakani, Athi River, Gilgil, Webuye and Isebania.
Portable ones are stationed at Juja, Mai Mahiu, Eldoret, Malaba, Kisumu, Isinya and Mtwapa in the coastal region.
The weighbridges are expected to enforce weight caps on axle load limits and gross vehicle weights for drivers, truck and bulk liquid tankers and loaders.
Arrest those who cheat
Mr Kidenda said the government had also put in place mobile spot checks along all highways to arrest those who cheat on axle weight.
He said despite campaigns and education to transporters on the need to maintain axle load, there were many flouting the law.
