The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has completed an upgrade at the Gilgil Weighbridge station in Nakuru County, a pivotal location along the busy Nakuru-Nairobi highway.
KeNHA Deputy Director of Axle Load Control, Michael Ngala, recently inspected the ongoing works, emphasizing the project’s goal of streamlining operations to better serve the thousands of truck drivers who rely on this route daily.
“The weighing process will now take about one minute, ensuring that efficiency is greatly improved,” Ngala noted.
The facility, which sees more than 2,000 trucks each day, will harness cutting-edge technology, including high-speed weighing motion sensors and smart cameras that read number plates.
This advancement will enhance monitoring of truck loads and ensure compliance with axle load regulations.
Ngala expressed satisfaction with current compliance levels but highlighted the need for improvements to alleviate road maintenance challenges. SSP John Gichuhi raised concerns about a rise in attacks on enforcement officers, warning that individuals involved in such violence could face serious legal consequences.
Currently, only about 1% of trucks require further inspection after initial checks, a process that is expected to significantly reduce delays. The automated system will alert drivers needing further examination, creating a smoother traffic flow in the area.
The upgrade also includes modern offices for the Danka Africa (K) Ltd staff and police officers stationed at the weighbridge.
This initiative aligns with KeNHA’s strategic plan to develop over 20 virtual weighbridges across Kenya to achieve full compliance with axle load regulations as outlined in the East African Community Act.
