Amnesty for truck operators

By Patrick Beja

Truck operators have been given up to the end of next month to be weighed for gross vehicle weight instead of the controversial axle load weight.

This was decided upon during a crisis meeting between Kenya Transport Association and Kenya National Highway Authority chaired by Prime Minister Raila Odinga following a weeklong truck drivers’ strike.

KTA chief executive Jane Njeru confirmed they have been asked to negotiate with Government authorities including KeNha to resolve the matter.

“We believe we will reach an understanding with the Government agencies so that the trucks are weighed for gross vehicle weight instead of the punitive axle load weight,” Njeru said.

The KTA delegation was led by chairman Paul Maiyo and former chairman Kiprop Bundotich.

Last Saturday, transporters grounded their trucks after the reintroduction of the axle load weighting at the Mariakani weighbridge in Kilifi County, which saw hundreds of vehicles impounded for non-compliance.

KeNha introduced the axle load weight last Thursday following a High Court ruling in a case filed by KTA in favour of the Government.

If a truck is weighed and stopped, it will attract a court fine ranging from Sh20,000 to Sh400,000.

“This is a substantial sum of money and a compelling reason to suspend deliveries over a punitive double-faced condition,” Njeru had said.

She maintained it was not within the ability of the crew to observe axle load limits owing to the shifting of cargo as trucks traverse the highway.

She said containers are pre-packed and sealed hence transporters cannot access the contents to re-arrange to fit the stated axle load limits.