The Kenya Rural Road Authority (KERRA) has sensitized local residents of West Pokot County especially those involved in transportation and logistics about axle load limits and related laws in a bid to preserve quality of roads across the country.
Speaking during a sensitization exercise at Kishaunet shopping centre in Kapenguria Constituency, KERRA Engineer John Mativo in charge of Axle Load limits, underscored the need for collaboration among stakeholders to raise awareness on axle laws among truck drivers.
He said the sensitization initiative aims to enhance awareness of axle regulations among truck drivers, thereby contributing to the protection of road infrastructure.
“KERRA aims to reduce road damage caused by overloading, which can lead to significant repair costs and impaired transport services,” Eng Mativo stated.
He stated that truck drivers should adhere to axle load limits, as doing so not only prolongs the lifespan of roads but also improves safety of both drivers and pedestrians.
Eng. Mativo said the Kenya Roads Act of 2007 empowers the Authority to implement road policies in relation to rural or secondary truck roads under class C and ensure adherence to the rules and guidelines on axle load control.
“The rules and guidelines include control on load limits and various unique loads in accordance with legal notice number 93 under Traffic Act Cap 403 and the East Africa Community Vehicle Load Control Act 2016,” Eng Mativo highlighted.
He said by involving local residents, the Authority hopes to foster a culture of road maintenance awareness that encourages responsible vehicle operation and promotes the sustainable development of the region’s transportation network.
Eng. Mativo said the sensitization covered various aspects including loading capacity, weights regulations, and penalties associated with noncompliance.
He urged the truck drivers to strictly adhere to load capacity and weight regulations to ensure safety on the roads and prevent potential hazards.
In his remarks West Pokot County Commissioner (CC) Abdullai Khalif raised concerns about the effectiveness of weighbridges noting that weighbridges facilities should not be mere stall stations, rather serving their intended purpose of regulating vehicles weights and promoting compliance with transposition laws.
“When weighbridges become a mere stall station rather than serving their intended purpose, it not only diminishes its operation efficiency but also becomes a significant avenue for corruption” he said.
Khalif emphasized that the personnel assigned to enforce laws and regulations regarding road vehicle operations are falling short of their responsibilities urging them to take their work seriously by enforcing the transportation laws.
He stated that with proper enforcement and functioning of weighbridges, the county could better ensure road safety, protect infrastructure and promote fair competition among transport operators.
He underscored the urgent need for accountability and reform to restore the integrity of the crucial regulatory mechanism.
The county commissioner pointed out that only a small number of offenders have faced legal action for violating traffic rules, while many others continue to flout regulations without consequence.
He urged law enforcement officers responsible for traffic regulations to enhance their efforts in promoting road safety.
Khalif called upon engineers from Kenya Rural Road Authority to ensure robust enforcement of traffic laws and take measures against corruption.
He further called upon all stakeholders to commit to upholding road safety and integrity in transportation management to protect the community and facilitate better development.
Senior Resident Magistrate Nelly Kenei of Kapenguria law courts emphasized the importance of adhering to load regulations for truck drivers, adding that compliance is crucial for ensuring safety on the roads and preventing accidents and road damage.
Kenei noted that violation of road regulations not only endanger public safety but also lead to substantial fines and potential imprisonment for offenders.
She urged all truck drivers to take their responsibilities seriously to maintain safety standards and avoid legal consequences.
By Anthony Melly
