By JOSPHINE MWENDE 

Located in Yatta/Kwa Vonza Ward, Kitui Rural Constituency, along the Garissa–Kitui–Nairobi Highway, the facility was constructed by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to regulate the weight and dimensions of heavy vehicles, helping to prevent overloading and safeguard road infrastructure.

The weighbridge became operational in February 2025 following the completion of construction and installation of the necessary equipment.

Speaking during an investigative interview, the station manager, Faith Njani, said the facility had recorded improved compliance among motorists and transporters since operations began, with the majority of vehicles meeting the prescribed axle-load and dimensional requirements.

Njani said the station weighs approximately 1,500 vehicles daily, with only between two and four trucks typically found exceeding the stipulated weight or dimensional limits and subjected to enforcement measures. “Since we started operations at Kanyonyoo weighbridge, we have witnessed improved compliance among members of the community and transporters who understand the procedures carried out at the station. We weigh approximately 1,500 vehicles a day, and only about two to four trucks are found overloaded or exceeding the required dimensions,” she said.

She added that the high compliance rate demonstrated growing awareness among transporters of the importance of protecting roads through adherence to the law.

Beyond preserving road infrastructure, the facility has also contributed to improved security in the surrounding area and created employment opportunities for local residents.

According to Njani, the station’s daily operations have enhanced surveillance of cargo in transit, making it easier to identify suspicious movements and support efforts to curb the transportation of illegal goods.“We have also witnessed improved security since the weighbridge began operating. In addition, the facility has helped many local residents secure jobs to support their livelihoods,” she said.

The station has also helped promote fairness among businesspeople involved in transporting heavy goods by ensuring that vehicles operate within the legally prescribed load limits.

Njani said enforcing uniform standards was essential in creating a level playing field for businesses, preventing some transporters from gaining an unfair advantage by carrying excessive loads.“There is equality among those engaged in businesses involving heavy goods because they are required to transport loads within the limits set by the law. This promotes fairness in the market,” she said.

The facility uses digital weighing equipment to determine vehicle and axle loads, assess weight distribution and identify violations of the prescribed limits.

Njani said the equipment undergoes quarterly calibration to maintain accuracy and ensure that vehicles are weighed transparently.“We weigh trucks and other vehicles transparently, allowing drivers to understand the weight they are carrying. The machines are calibrated quarterly to ensure accuracy and prevent under-weighing or over-weighing,” she said.

Vehicles found to be compliant with the applicable axle-load limits are cleared to continue with their journeys, while those found in violation of the prescribed limits are directed to a holding area for further action in accordance with the law.“Any vehicle found exceeding the prescribed load limits is detained, and the violation is recorded pending the necessary enforcement action,” Njani said.

In addition to monitoring axle loads, the station is mandated to inspect vehicles transporting abnormal loads to ensure they comply with the legally prescribed dimensions.

The inspections are intended to protect roads and other infrastructure along transport corridors from damage caused by oversized or improperly secured cargo.

However, Njani identified non-compliance by some transporters as a major challenge facing the station, saying certain drivers deliberately avoid weighing their vehicles despite knowing they may be overloaded.

She further claimed that some transporters mobilise groups of people to intimidate or attack weighbridge staff while they are carrying out their duties, posing a threat to personnel and disrupting operations.“We have a challenge with transporters who are unwilling to have their vehicles weighed. Some fail to stop when they know they are overloaded. In other cases, they mobilise goons to attack the station and our teams during operations,” she said.

Njani appealed to members of the public to support enforcement efforts by reporting individuals involved in intimidation and deliberate evasion of the law.

She maintained that cooperation among transporters, motorists, local residents and enforcement agencies remained critical to ensuring that the weighbridge achieves its objective of protecting roads, promoting road safety and supporting the sustainable use of public infrastructure.

By PCS

The President said the project, which is being undertaken by the Devki Group, will use local materials to make clinker, the raw ingredient in cement manufacturing.

Speaking during the launch on Tuesday, he said the investment will transform the region's abundant limestone deposits into industrial wealth, boost local business and create 4,000 jobs during construction.

Upon completion in August 2027, he pointed out, the project will directly employ more than 3,000 Kenyans and open up vast opportunities for the local economy.

"Through strategic investments such as this, we will strengthen local manufacturing, reduce reliance on imports and turn Kenya into a leading exporter in East Africa and beyond," President Ruto stated.

The President said his administration will continue to be "relentless in positioning Kenya as a leading destination for investment" by unlocking the country's natural resources and creating an enabling environment for business to thrive.

The President reiterated his commitment to ensure investors are protected from shylocks, brokers and extortionists keen to reap where they did not sow. 

"I want to assure all our investors, foreign and local, that the Government of Kenya will provide an environment conducive to their investments. We will protect investors from extortionists,” he emphasised. 

He regretted that some extortionists have frustrated investors in the country for far too long, saying their "monkey business" has undermined Kenya but is now over. 

"Some of these fellows recently demanded agreements from Nigerian investor Aliko Dangote on the Lamu refinery project. Why have they not demanded an agreement from Mr Narendra Raval for this investment? We know what they are after," President Ruto pointed out. 

The President urged Kenyans to protect investments "from negative politics", accused some politicians of politicising such projects to achieve their selfish gains. 

"When some politicians oppose a certain project, they don't do it because they have the interest of the people. It's because they are pursuing their own selfish ends. This is why Kenyans must be wary of such leaders," he explained.

He commended residents of Nyeri County for recently telling off politicians who had attempted to block an investor.

"I want to thank the people of Nyeri for ignoring the politicians and insisting on public participation for the project. They approved it," the President disclosed.

At the same time, President Ruto said Mr  Raval plans to establish a cement factory in Kwale and expand another in West Pokot, pointing out that they are part of the Government's plan to create more jobs and wealth, and boost the country’s economy. 

"We must always look at how we create opportunities in Kenya. It doesn’t matter who creates the opportunities. We must support everyone and every investor who wants to invest in Kenya. We must give them support,” he pointed out. 

The President commended Mr Raval, popularly known as Nguru, for committing substantial resources to the project.

For generations, the President said, the people of Ngaaie have known the wealth beneath their feet. 

"They have seen the limestone in these hills and envisioned the factories, businesses and jobs that this resource could support. Today, we take a decisive step towards turning that potential into prosperity," he said. 

The President commended the Devki Group for the investment and for its continued confidence in Kenya. 

"I also recognise the people of Ngaaie and the leadership of Kitui County, whose partnership will be essential to the success of this undertaking," he said. 

President Ruto went on: "The purpose of this investment is clear: To turn the resources of this land into productive work, thriving businesses and better incomes for our people. The value of the limestone beneath our feet must be felt in the lives of the families who live above it."

By producing clinker locally, he explained, the country retains more value within its economy, creates wealth and skilled jobs, builds technical expertise and strengthens industrial capacity in Kenya. 

"That is why, in 2023, we introduced the Export and Investment Promotion Levy on imported clinker to encourage domestic production," he explained.

He added: "Our policy must give investors the confidence to build factories while ensuring that increased production delivers quality, competition and affordable prices," President Ruto explained. 

In April 2024, the President said, he commissioned Devki’s clinker plant at Sebit in West Pokot, saying now the facility has a daily production capacity of 6,000 tonnes. 

"Today, we take another step here in Kitui, expanding the country’s capacity to turn its mineral resources into manufactured products," he said. 

The President pointed out that these investments demonstrate what becomes possible when enterprise, public policy and local opportunity come together. 

"Our responsibility as Government is to make that partnership work through reliable infrastructure, efficient public services and a predictable investment environment," he said. 

Saying Kenya is building and the demand for construction materials is substantial, President Ruto noted that cement production increased from 8.85 million tonnes in 2024 to 10.44 million tonnes in 2025, an increase of 18 per cent.

"We have sustained that momentum. In the first eight months of this year, production has reached 7.62 million tonnes, compared with 6.68 million at the same period last year, representing a growth of 14 per cent," he said. 

Meanwhile, the President said the country’s ambition must extend beyond supplying the Kenyan market.

"We must build industries capable of winning business across East Africa and the continent. A factory succeeds when its products compete on quality, price and reliability," he said. 

At the same time,  President Ruto urged the Devki Group to work closely with technical and vocational institutions to develop apprenticeships and practical training.

"Young people from this region should have a clear pathway into the technical, operational and managerial roles that a modern factory requires," he said. 

The President said local enterprises must also be enabled to participate, adding that transporters, maintenance firms, food suppliers, traders and other service providers should have a fair opportunity to compete for business. 

"This partnership must be built on fair treatment, safe workplaces, responsible water use, effective dust control, and rehabilitation of mined land," President Ruto stated.

On another matter, President Ruto expressed his commitment to end the mineral monopoly at Lake Magadi in Kajiado County.

The President directed Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, who was present, to ensure that future mining contracts in Magadi were only awarded to companies committed to local mineral processing.

"I want to assure Kenyans that, following the directive of the President, the ministry has created the necessary incentives to ensure all minerals undergo value addition before they are exported," he said.

Mr Raval thanked the people of Ngaaie for supporting the project, saying the leaders had wanted it to be situated in Mwingi Town, 15km from where it has been launched, against the wishes of the people.

"Leaders should always support projects that have a direct impact on the lives of Kenyans," Mr Raval said. 

He added: "The Devki Group does not work with any wrong motive. Because of pressure from the leaders, we were to put up this plant in Mwingi town and not Ngaaie. Materials are here yet they wanted me to put it 15km away. But the people wanted it here."

By PCS 

Speaking at Machinery town in Kibwezi East Constituency, Makueni County, on Monday, on his third day development tour of Ukambani, the President said the withdrawal of the case will pave way for the payment of KSh3 billion awarded to the victims by the High Court.

He said the Government will directly compensate families, who were affected by the oil tanker spill into River Thange in Makueni County in 2015.

He told off individuals who were collecting signatures from the affected people in the pretext that the money would be paid through their law firms so that they can deduct 30 per cent of the compensation. 

"I understand some brokers and conmen are collecting signatures from the affected families, claiming that the money will be paid through their law firms. They won't get a cent because the Government will pay the money directly to the affected families," he said.

On May 12, 2015, the petroleum pipeline ruptured along Thange village in Kibwezi East Constituency, spilling fuel into the River Thange basin and contaminating land and water. 

More than 3,000 residents suffered severe health complications, including liver and kidney issues, and lost livestock, crops and livelihoods.

At the same time,  President Ruto urged the residents of Makueni, Machakos and Kitui to urge Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka to reciprocate the political support he had extended to him in 1992 as the President seeks to consolidate support in the region ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The President recalled his long political relationship with Mr Kalonzo, citing his campaign for Mr Musyoka in Mwingi in the 1992 General Election.

Speaking at Tseikuru grounds near Mr Musyoka's rural home, the President said time had come for the Wiper leader to return the favour by supporting his re-election bid in 2027.

"I campaigned for Kalonzo Musyoka in 1992 when I was in Youth for Kanu (YK92). It's now time for him to reciprocate and support me in 2027," the President pointed out.

Mr Musyoka was elected Mwingi North MP for a second time in 1992 on a KANU ticket, a parliamentary career that would later see him serve as Vice-President under President Mwai Kibaki between 2008 and 2013.

The President also explained that Mr Musyoka disclosed that Deputy President Kithure Kindiki previously worked with the Wiper leader during his 2007 presidential contest.

He warned that the  Wiper leader risks being used by those he is working with, and they could eventually abandon him. "I understand he has been summoned today somewhere to go and explain what he meant when he said God is using Ruto to tarmac roads in Ukambani," he said. 

Additionally, President Ruto told opposition leaders to present their alternative agenda to Kenyans instead of engaging in propaganda and falsehoods. 

The President pointed out that the opposition focuses heavily on criticising his administration and pushing a "one-term" slogan rather than presenting actionable solutions for the economy, healthcare,  water and infrastructure.

Leaders from the region, who accompanied the President, urged Mr Musyoka to work with President Ruto ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The leaders included Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, MPs Mwengi Mutuse (Kibwezi West), Vincent Musyoka (Mwala), Caleb Mule (Machakos Town), Rachel Nyamai (Kitui South), Charles Nguna (Mwingi West), Joshua Mwalyo (Masinga) and Beth Syengo (Nominated).

Mr Mutuse noted that if Mr Musyoka joined President Ruto, the region would increase its bargaining power for development and national resources. "We have lagged behind in development because we have been in the opposition for a long time. We, therefore, ask our brother Kalonzo Musyoka to work with the President," Mr Mutuse said in Tseikuru. 

The leaders said projects in roads, water and employment opportunities for young people should be central to the region's political decisions.

Mr Mutua said: "Because President Ruto has ensured equal distribution of resources across the country, some people now claim that it is the right for all Kenyans to be served. This is not the first administration in this country. What happened to the development of roads and health, among others, during the previous governments? "he asked. 

Earlier, President Ruto flagged off a KSh75 million Last Mile Electricity Connectivity Project connecting 530 households at Kathekani in Kibwezi East Constituency, Makueni County. "We are implementing projects worth KSh560 million to connect 4,250 households in the constituency," he said. 

He explained that the Government is investing KSh2.3 billion to light up 22,000 homes in  Makueni County.

The President also commissioned Kathekani Senior School in Kibwezi East Constituency. 

He said the modern boarding school has eight classrooms, four laboratories, an administration block and two dormitory blocks, among other amenities.

The school was built under the Kenya Railways Relocation Action Plan for the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Phase I.

The construction of the SGR affected 25 public institutions, including 12 primary and eight secondary schools, which have now been rebuilt.

By PCS

He defended the Government’s efforts to attract foreign capital, citing the KSh2.2 trillion Dangote Refinery in Lamu as one of the major investments expected to boost the economy.

"Those making noise are shylocks and brokers. They are used to conning Kenya and manipulating the sale of Government companies' shares by buying at low prices and making a kill by selling at a premium. I am telling them we will not allow them to do that again," President Ruto said. 

The President also disclosed that the same leaders have extorted investors in the past, pushing them to give them a stake. As a result, the investors went elsewhere. 

The President made the remarks  at the Africa Inland Church (AIC) Kasina in Mwingi Central Constituency, Kitui County, during an interdenominational church service on Sunday. 

He accused those opposed to Nigerian investor Aliko Dangote's acquisition of National Social Security Fund's (NSSF) Kenya Pipeline Company shares of having sought to profit from the shares through short-term trading, saying the Government wanted to ensure Kenyans received the best possible value from the sale.

The President cited a leader who has a huge investment in Kenya Power shares, and criticised his opposition to privatisation of Government companies.

"Another one bought Kenya Power shares at KSh2 and is now selling at KSh19. Now that they have no other way to extort investors, they are complaining out there," he said. 

President Ruto said: “I hear some making noise about Dangote because he has bought Kenya Pipeline Company shares. The same people have been complaining that the Government forced parastatals to buy the shares. Now that the parastatal has sold the shares at a profit, they are still complaining."

He scoffed at leaders who had previously complained that the shares were overpriced and opposed the sale, but were now questioning the transaction following Dangote’s entry.

"We must keep petty politics out of investors and investment opportunities as a nation,” he said. 

Additionally, the President noted that the Government was engaging potential investors as it seeks to increase Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from $3.2 billion recorded this year to $5 billion by next year.

“In 2022, Foreign Direct Investment totalled $1.5 billion. In 2015, it rose to $3.2 billion. By next year, it is expected to rise to $5 billion,” he said.

President Ruto added: "The Government is targeting annual FDI inflows of between $8 billion and $10 billion in the next four years. Increased investment will expand wealth creation and employment opportunities."

Likewise, the President explained that Dangote’s acquisition of a 24.76 per cent of KPC shares from the NSSF, telling off critics of contradicting their earlier position on the sale of the State-owned company’s shares.

Mr Dangote acquired the KPC shares, making his group the second largest shareholder in the company after the Government.

The Government retains a 35 per cent stake, while the Uganda National Oil Corporation holds 20.15 per cent.

At the same time, President Ruto  told off leaders misleading Kenyans that a law has been passed in the National Assembly scrapping live coverage of election results. 

The President particularly took issue with who he termed as clueless individuals spreading rumours, propaganda and falsehoods to achieve selfish ends, saying they are bankrupt of ideas. 

The President insisted that the Government has no intention of stopping live coverage of elections.

"Nonsense. Propaganda. Fake news. Why would anyone want to stop livestreaming of results? The sooner Kenyans get to know the results of an election, the better for our nation," he said.

President Ruto told leaders to present an alternative agenda instead of misleading the country. 

"I am asking those who are bankrupt of ideas to stop abusing and misusing young people to achieve selfish ends. Instead, they should have a better engagement with the people of Kenya," the President stated. 

A section of leaders have been spreading fake news online that laws on live streaming of results have been changed. 

But the National Assembly has since dismissed such reports, explaining that the requirement was retained in the Elections (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2024.

In an explainer issued last week, Parliament said it deleted Clause 22 of the Bill, which had proposed to repeal and recast Section 39 of the Elections Act, thereby retaining the legal provision requiring the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to establish a mechanism for livestreaming results announced at polling stations.

On politics, President Ruto stated that the era of tribalism, hate and politics of discrimination is a thing of the past.

The President assured residents of Kitui that development initiatives going on in other parts of the country are also being implemented in the region. 

"I want to assure Kenyans that politics of discrimination, hatred and tribalism will never again have room in this country. No part of Kenya will be left behind in development," President Ruto reiterated. 

Cabinet Secretaries Alfred Mutua (Labour) and Rebecca Miano (Tourism) were present.  Others were MPs Vincent Musyoka (Mwala), Beth Syengo (Nominated), Mwengi Mutuse (Kibwezi West), Joshua Mwalyo (Masinga), Caleb Mule (Machakos Town), Rachel Nyamai (Kitui South) and Charles Nguna (Mwingi West), among others. 

The leaders told the residents of Kitui County to unite behind President Ruto for development and more opportunities. 

"Our community has historically benefited more when it worked closely with the Government rather than in the opposition," Dr Mutua said. 

Mr Musyoka pointed out that, under the leadership of President Ruto, many road, housing, modern markets and student hostels projects have been implemented more than by any other administration.

At the same time, President Ruto inspected the construction of the KSh670 million Enziu Bridge in Mwingi Central Constituency, Kitui County.

The bridge, which connects Mwingi Central to Mwingi East, will provide a permanent and safe crossing, ending years of danger posed by heavy rains and flooding. It is unfortunate that hundreds of lives have been lost at the spot.

"The project is in its final stages of completion and will protect lives while ensuring communities remain connected throughout the year to schools, hospitals and markets, and also boost trade," said President Ruto.

By PCS

The President said the project, which is being undertaken by the Devki Group, will use local materials to make clinker, the raw ingredient in cement manufacturing.

Consequently, the investment will create 4,000 jobs, boost local trade and improve livelihoods in the region.

Speaking in Tseikuru grounds on Monday, President Ruto told young people across the country to take advantage of projects initiated by the Government and seek job and business opportunities. "I tell young people looking for jobs that we are launching the cement factory tomorrow so that they can seek employment opportunities," the President said.

At the same time, he put shylocks, brokers and extortionists on notice, saying the days of blackmailing investors are numbered. "We will deal with shylocks, brokers and those extorting investors for bribes and shareholding. Their days are over," he said.

President Ruto regretted that many investors had opted out of the country in the past because of demands for bribes and stakes in investments by unscrupulous individuals. 

However, the President assured investors that the Government will stand with them and protect their investments across Kenya. "We will make sure that Kenya becomes the best destination for investments. Those who have been extorting and conning investors should look for something else to do," he stated. 

Earlier, President Ruto launched the construction of student hostels at Tseikuru National Polytechnic at Tseikuru town in Mwingi North Constituency, Kitui County."The KSh145 million project will provide accommodation for 340 students. We will build another block to house more students at the institution, which has a population of 1,600," he said. 

The President pointed out an additional 10 classrooms will be built at the polytechnic to expand learning opportunities for students.

And while launching the 55km Twimyua-Tseikuru-Usueni road in Mwingi North Constituency, President Ruto directed the contractor to ensure a 3km stretch to the home of Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka is also tarmacked.

He said the KSh5 billion project will unlock the vast potential of northern Kitui, linking pastoralist and farming communities to markets, services and opportunities. "One kilometre at a time, we are bridging the economic divide caused by historical marginalisation in the sharing of national resources," President Ruto explained.

Labour Cabinet Secretary Dr Alfred Mutua and several MPs accompanied the President.