The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has embarked on an ambitious project to install double weighing scales at the Busia weighbridge to streamline operations at one of the busiest border points in East Africa. This initiative aims to cut down delays, enhance trade efficiency, and ensure compliance with axle load regulations.
According to Wellington Odali, KeNHA’s Technical Manager, the double weighing scales are set to revolutionize the weighing process, significantly reducing the time required to weigh a single truck. “The time required to weigh a truck will reduce significantly from around five minutes to just 30 seconds. This will reduce congestion and eliminate time wastage at the weighbridges,” said Odali.
Addressing Congestion Along the Kisumu-Busia Highway
The weighbridge at Busia plays a crucial role in monitoring and managing the heavy flow of transit cargo through Kenya to its neighboring countries. Previously, the time-consuming process of weighing trucks often caused long queues and traffic snarls along the Kisumu-Busia highway. By cutting the weighing time to mere seconds, the new infrastructure is expected to ease congestion and improve the overall traffic flow.
Busia Weighbridge Cluster Manager Lydia Masaki highlighted that the project is part of a broader strategy to enhance surveillance and curb illegal activities at the border. “We still have rogue transporters who avoid verifying weight. Some tamper with number plates to evade the weighbridge, but we have apprehended a number of them,” she noted.
Masaki further revealed that the proximity of the weighbridge to the border makes it a critical checkpoint for compliance enforcement. To address non-compliance, KeNHA has deployed a standby chase car and intensified patrols to monitor alternative routes often used by violators. “Non-compliant transporters attempting to use alternative routes will face stringent action as we continue to ensure that the laws are adhered to,” she emphasized.
Ensuring Road Safety and Trade Efficiency
The axle load laws in Kenya and the wider East African region are designed to protect the road infrastructure from damage caused by overloaded trucks. Masaki commended transporters for their growing adherence to these regulations. “Compliance levels among transit trucks are now very high. When we compare weighed trucks to prosecuted cases, we are achieving a compliance rate of 99 percent,” she said.
The introduction of double weighing scales is not only a win for compliance but also a critical step toward reducing logistical bottlenecks. By ensuring faster processing times, KeNHA is addressing one of the key challenges faced by traders and transporters who rely on efficient border crossings for timely delivery of goods.
Supporting Regional Trade
Kenya plays a pivotal role as East Africa’s largest export market, accounting for 70 percent of the region’s total exports to Africa in 2023. The modernization of weighbridge infrastructure is a testament to the country’s commitment to fostering trade efficiency and lowering logistics costs. These improvements align with Kenya’s broader vision to remain a key hub for trade and commerce in the region.
KeNHA’s ongoing efforts to upgrade major weighbridges, including the installation of advanced weighing systems at strategic points, underscore the authority’s resolve to meet the demands of growing trade volumes. By reducing delays at border points like Busia, Kenya is poised to strengthen its position as a regional leader in trade facilitation.
Looking Ahead
As KeNHA continues to invest in modern infrastructure, stakeholders in the transport and trade sectors can look forward to smoother operations and enhanced compliance. The introduction of double weighing scales at Busia marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s journey toward becoming a more efficient and competitive player in regional and global trade.
