Motorists have been cautioned over an unusual convoy of trucks that will embark on a two-week journey over a section of Kenyan roads.
In a public notice on Tuesday, January 26, drivers were advised to practice caution when overtaking the trucks marked 'Abnormal Wide Load transportation'
The convoy is expected to use Mombasa- Mazeras- Mariakani route before concluding at Samburu.
"Users using this road are requested to exercise extra care and caution when in the vicinity of this convoy for the two weeks," the notice by Kyoga Hauliers Limited.
There have been increased transportation of abnormal loads resulting from the importation of heavy machinery due to increased investments in infrastructure in Kenya.
According to the Kenya National Highways Authority Regulations 2013, abnormal cargo is described as one that exceeds the legal load or dimensional limits under the Road Traffic Act.
Such a load requires a special permit to travel with licenses attracting an additional fee ranging from Ksh5,000 to Ksh250,000 depending on the size and weight of the cargo.
Vehicles that transport abnormal load have chassis, trailers, axles, tires and trailers customised to suit the specific need of the consignment depending on its length and weight.
Most of the oversized cargo trucks are manned by two drivers, but sometimes the firms may be forced to hire up to four drivers depending on the distance.
When approaching the convoys, drivers are often advised to slow down, move over if necessary, respond to gestures by the driver of an escort vehicle and give way to the oversize vehicle whenever they see a pilot or escort vehicle approaching with its warning lights flashing.
Drivers following an oversize vehicle are advised to wait until the rear pilot vehicle operator signals them to overtake.
Pass both pilot or escort vehicles and the oversize vehicle in one maneuver within the speed limit.
In January 2021, there were two different notices issued by other transporters cautioning motorists over the trucks on the road.
