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Nairobi, Kenya — Compliance among freight transporters using the Garissa road network has markedly improved since the Kanyonyo Weighbridge opened on February 20, 2025. The facility, aimed at protecting infrastructure from damage caused by overloaded vehicles, has strengthened enforcement of vehicle load limits. Mandatory weight checks now require all vehicles weighing over 3.5 tonnes to undergo screening before continuing their journeys.

Faith Wanjugu Njani, Assistant Manager and Kanyonyo Weighbridge Cluster Manager, stated that the facility has recorded significant improvements in transporter compliance. "We’ve seen a lot of improvement, a lot of compliance with the transporters," she noted. The intervention seeks to safeguard the Garissa road and other routes from damage resulting from overloaded vehicles.

Under the enforcement system, trucks found to be within legal weight limits are cleared to proceed. Overloaded vehicles are diverted to a holding yard for detention and compliance procedures. Njani explained, "If a vehicle is found to be overloaded, the vehicle is directed to the holding yard. It’s detained, and the necessary compliance process takes place, ensuring that our roads are protected."

The mandatory screening at Kanyonyo ensures that freight carried along the road network adheres to prescribed weight limits, protecting existing infrastructure. Despite progress, the weighbridge still faces resistance from some transporters unwilling to comply with enforcement procedures. "Sometimes you may find other trucks or other transporters are not willing to work," Njani acknowledged.

The weighbridge contributes to efforts enforcing axle-load regulations to prevent overloaded freight vehicles from accelerating road deterioration, reducing maintenance costs, and enhancing the durability of regional road networks.