Kanyonyo Weighbridge boosts compliance on Garissa Road network

NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 4 — Compliance among freight transporters using the Garissa road network has improved since the establishment of the Kanyonyo Weighbridge, with mandatory weight checks helping curb overloading and protect road infrastructure.

The facility, which began operations on February 20, 2025, has strengthened enforcement of vehicle load limits by requiring all vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes to undergo screening before proceeding with their journeys.

Faith Wanjugu Njani, Assistant Manager and Kanyonyo Weighbridge Cluster Manager, said the facility had recorded significant improvements in transporter compliance since operations began.

“We’ve seen a lot of improvement, a lot of compliance with the transporters,” Njani said, noting that the intervention was aimed at protecting the Garissa road and other routes from damage caused by overloaded vehicles.

Under the enforcement system, trucks found to be within the legally permitted weight limits are cleared to continue their journeys, while overloaded vehicles are diverted to a holding yard for detention and compliance procedures.

“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,” she said.

Njani said the mandatory screening was intended to ensure that freight carried along the road network remained within the prescribed weight limits, safeguarding infrastructure already put in place.

“At Kanyonyo, we ensure compliance. All vehicles above 3.5 tonnes are supposed to divert to the weighbridge,” she said.

Despite the progress, the weighbridge continues to encounter resistance from some transporters unwilling to cooperate with enforcement procedures.

“Sometimes you may find other trucks or other transporters are not willing to work,” Njani said.

The weighbridge is part of efforts to enforce axle-load regulations and prevent overloaded freight vehicles from accelerating the deterioration of roads, reducing infrastructure maintenance costs and improving the durability of the regional road network.

​Bruhan Makong is a Senior News Reporter for Capital FM in Nairobi, covering diplomacy, foreign policy, national security, climate, and human rights across East Africa and the wider region.