A targeted enforcement operation aimed at sand trucks exceeding legal axle‑load limits started on Monday, Oct. 26, after public complaints, intelligence inputs and surveillance indicated widespread violations.

Within the first 24 hours, enforcement teams impounded four sand trucks that were carrying between 2,850 kg and 3,450 kg above the permitted load.

Four dedicated teams, each supported by surveillance and supervision vehicles, have been deployed around the clock to monitor the corridor.

One team operates from the Konza area, a key entry point for sand trucks coming from Kajiado County, while another patrols the Salama‑Emali stretch to block overloaded trucks from reaching Mombasa Road.

Data from the Malili Virtual Weighbridge Station helped identify trucks attempting to evade weight checks, including some that concealed number plates after loading beyond limits.

Surveillance also noted the emergence of sand reconstitution yards between Sultan Hamud and Athi River, where excess sand is off‑loaded to bring trucks within legal limits before they can proceed.

Trucks found still overloaded after inspection were either ordered to off‑load the excess sand or barred from using the highway.

Early indications show a reduction in loading levels, suggesting that operators are becoming more aware of the axle‑load requirements.

The operation includes a sensitisation drive through meetings, media outreach and the Truckers Association of Kenya, which represents truck owners’ SACCOs.

Officials stress that compliance with legal axle‑load limits is mandatory for all sand‑truck owners and drivers, and the crackdown will continue until full adherence is achieved.