The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Regional Integration supports the Ministry of East African Community (EAC), Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), and Regional Development's plans to incorporate operationalization of virtual weighbridges in order to increase transparency and accountability in weighbridges operations.

In a consultative meeting with the Principal Secretary of EAC affairs, Mr. Abdi Dubart,  Members wanted to know how the Ministry was addressing delays and corruption at weighbridges.

PS Dubart told Members that the Ministry has adopted diverse measures to tackle the menace which has made potential transit countries shy away from using the Northern Corridor.

“To address trucks delay at weighbridges, we have started construction and operationalization of virtual weighbridges. This is an innovative idea that integrates ICT platform in weighing of trucks,” Mr. Dubart told the Committee.

According to the PS, the use of ICT in facilitating the weighing of trucks has been found to be more efficient, transparent, and accountable.

“Although virtual weighbridges are not yet rolled out across the country, its adoption will ensure transparency, accountability and will help reduce corruption incidences,” he said.

To ensure that the Northern Corridor continues to be the corridor of choice for businesses in the region, PS Dubart, told Members that the Ministry is in collaboration with Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA), the police, and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA ) to address delays and guarantee the security of cargo in transit.

The meeting was chaired by the Vice-chairperson Hon. Farah Salah (Fafi).