The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has clarified the rationale behind imposing fines in US dollars on drivers of overloaded trucks. This policy is rooted in the East African Community (EAC) Schedule, which aims to protect the shared road infrastructure across the region.
Key Points of the EAC Schedule
- Uniform Compliance: The EAC Schedule ensures consistent enforcement of axle load limits across all East African countries. This uniformity is crucial for maintaining road quality and safety throughout the region.
- Protection of Investment: The roads connecting East African countries are maintained through pooled funds from member states and African partners. The dollar fines help manage this collective investment efficiently.
KeNHA’s Stance on Overloading
Eng. Michael Ngala, the KeNHA engineer in charge of axle load enforcement, emphasized the need to safeguard Kenya’s premier roads from the damage caused by overloaded trucks. He highlighted:
- Investment Protection: Kenya has invested over Ksh 3 trillion in its regional trunk roads, which are among the best in East Africa. Protecting this infrastructure from overloading is a priority.
- Penalty Structure: Overloaded trucks are fined in dollars to align with the EAC Schedule and must pay within three days. Failure to do so results in additional parking fees of $50 per day.
- Compliance Success: KeNHA’s enforcement efforts have led to significant compliance, with 99% of transit trucks and 90% of local trucks adhering to axle load limits.
Encouragement for Compliance
Eng. Ngala urged truck owners to comply with the regulations to avoid hefty fines and additional costs. By maintaining axle load limits, transporters contribute to the longevity and safety of the regional road network, ultimately benefiting all stakeholders involved in East African trade and transportation.
The imposition of dollar fines underscores the collaborative efforts within the EAC to maintain a robust and durable road infrastructure, essential for the region’s economic growth and connectivity.
