The Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) has explained its decision to install a virtual weighbridge on the Ngong–Suswa road.
In a notice on July 9, the authority clarified that the Ngong–Suswa road was designed to accommodate loaded vehicles of up to 10 tonnes per axle.
However, the route has increasingly been used by trucks carrying loads of up to 50 tonnes, placing immense pressure on the road infrastructure and accelerating its deterioration.
According to KeRRA, the virtual weighbridge was introduced to identify overloaded vehicles, enforce axle-load regulations and preserve the road for long-term use.
Further, the authority noted that unlike conventional weighbridges, the virtual weighbridge systems use sensors and digital monitoring to detect overloaded vehicles in motion.
“The Authority has installed a virtual weighbridge (Ngong-Suswa-Ewaso-Kedong virtual weighbridge) to detect overloaded vehicles and enforce axle load limit compliance as per the Traffic Act,” part of the KeRRA notice read.
KeRRA Addresses Public Concerns Over Road Condition
The authority’s clarification comes in response to concerns from motorists and residents regarding the current condition of the Ngong–Suswa Road.
Members of the public pointed out that some sections of the road had developed signs of distress despite being relatively new.
According to KeRRA, the road is currently undergoing phased maintenance to address damage caused by excessive loading and heavy traffic.
The authority further emphasized that the road repairs are being carried out progressively to ensure motorists continue using the corridor while improvement works are undertaken.
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Ngong–Suswa Specific Load Limits
KeRRA noted that engineering standards guided the construction of the Ngong–Suswa road, including the maximum axle load it was designed to handle.
The Ngong–Suswa road was constructed with axle load limits of up to 10 tonnes per axle, as explained by the authority stated in the notice.
According to the authority, the road has been open to traffic for approximately eight years, noting that the completion of the final section of the road was done in December 2025.
The newly completed Ngong–Suswa route provides motorists with an alternative connection to Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Kisii, Nyamira, and the wider Nyanza region.
During this period, the route has experienced increased use by commercial transporters, many of whom operate vehicles carrying cargo well beyond the design limits.
Road engineers have issued warnings that excessive axle loads significantly shorten the lifespan of roads.
KeRRA outlined that the key reasons behind the deterioration of the road are the growing number of heavily loaded trucks using the corridor.
The agency said some vehicles using the route carry loads of up to 50 tonnes, five times the intended axle capacity in certain instances.
KeRRA argues that continued overloading not only increases maintenance costs but also places an additional burden on taxpayers who ultimately finance road rehabilitation projects.
Arrests on Violation of Set Limits on the Ngong–Suswa Road
KeRRA revealed that enforcement actions have already commenced following the installation of the virtual weighbridge.
Several offenders detected violating axle-load limits have been arrested and charged, according to the authority.
The authority warned that further legal action will be taken against motorists and transport companies found breaching load requirements.
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KeRRA Appeals for Compliance
As maintenance works continue, KeRRA is urging all road users to adhere to stipulated axle-load regulations.
The authority emphasized that preserving the Ngong–Suswa Road requires cooperation from transporters, drivers and other stakeholders who depend on the corridor for economic activities.
” We appeal to all road users to adhere to the stipulated load limits to ensure the safeguarding of this National Road asset,” the notice stated.
KeRRA maintains that the virtual weighbridge is not intended to punish road users but to ensure the long-term sustainability of a vital transport corridor.
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