The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued fresh directives to transporters following delays in the issuance of exemption permits caused by a permit system outage.
In a notice released on Wednesday, May 27, KeNHA said the ongoing downtime had disrupted the processing of permits required for the movement of abnormal and oversized cargo across the country.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority wishes to inform transporters that issuance of exemption permits has been affected owing to the ongoing permit system downtime,” the authority said in part.
KeNHA extends expired permits
To minimise disruptions in the transport sector, the authority announced that trucks operating with expired exemption permits would be granted a two-week extension.
According to KeNHA, the temporary extension will apply to the cargo specified in the original permits and remain valid until June 9, 2026.
The authority said the measure was aimed at easing pressure on transporters affected by the system challenges.
New applications to be handled manually
KeNHA further directed vehicle inspectors and stations handling new applications to manually verify vehicle dimensions, tag the vehicles and issue special release documents.
The authority explained that the tags must indicate the dimensions of the cargo and the applicable charges payable by transporters.
Stations have also been instructed to formally close the tags once transporters obtain official permits after the system is restored.
Abnormal load applicants advised to use email
For abnormal load applications, KeNHA directed transporters to submit requests through the official email address kenhapermits@kenha.co.ke for further guidance after review by relevant superintendents.
The authority assured transporters that all temporary release documents and special tags issued during the downtime would be formally updated once the permit system becomes operational again.
Transport sector faces mounting pressure
Exemption permits are mandatory for transporters moving heavy and oversized cargo on roads where axle load and dimension restrictions apply.
The delays come at a time when transporters are already grappling with rising operational costs, including increased fuel prices.
Recently, the Kenya Transporters Association (KTA) warned that higher diesel prices would significantly affect freight costs across the country.
The association noted that fuel accounts for more than 55 per cent of operating expenses in the road freight transport sector.
Transporters warned of higher freight costs
Following recent fuel price adjustments by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), KTA advised its members to review transport and freight charges to reflect the rising costs.
“Members are advised that such a substantial rise in input costs cannot be absorbed sustainably. It is therefore necessary for all members to immediately review their cost structures and adjust transport rates accordingly,” the association said in a previous notice.
Industry players have expressed concern that continued operational disruptions and rising fuel prices could eventually increase the cost of goods and services across the country.
