A new police unit has been formed to help protect highways and create order, especially at the country’s nine weighbridges, the Nation has learnt.
The officers, who will be directly under the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), will assist the Road Asset Protection and Axle Load Enforcement Unit.
KeNHA’s Public Relations Officer Charles Njogu yesterday told the Nation that some of the officers will be attached to the head office while the rest will be deployed to the 10 regional offices and weighbridges in Mtwapa, Mariakani, Gilgil, Athi River, Webuye, Rongo, Juja, Busia and Isinya.
"We have a total of 190 police officers seconded to KeNHA to help enforce traffic rules and specifically deal with overloading," Mr Njogu said.
Mr Njogu added that they will protect highways and road reserves from grabbing and encroachment by private developers.
The officers, together with KeNHA personnel, will provide evidence for prosecuting those caught flouting road rules, advise on the legal requirements regarding vehicle weights and dimensions, and ensure adherence to rules and guidelines on axle load limits.
Mr Njogu further disclosed that the special unit’s discipline will be addressed by the Kenya Police and KeNHA.
KeNHA manages, rehabilitates and maintains national trunk roads (class A,B and C).
CRIME
KeNHA has been pushing for its own police unit just like railways, ports and airports.
Police have been taking full control of law enforcement on roads after withdrawal of other agencies that were working with them.
In January President Uhuru Kenyatta directed the National Transport and Safety Authority that was charged with enforcement of traffic to be withdrawn from Kenyan roads.
