The Kenya National Highways Authority (Kenya National Highways Authority) has extended expired truck permits by two weeks after a technical hitch disrupted its online permit system.
In a notice issued on Wednesday, May 27, KeNHA said trucks whose permits have expired will be allowed to continue operating until June 9, as long as they remain within the cargo conditions stated in their original permits.
KeNHA stated that the move would help reduce stress for transporters who have not been able to renew or acquire their exemption permits owing to the system failure.
“The issuance of exemption permits has been affected owing to the ongoing permit system downtime,” KeNHA said in its notice.
“Trucks with expired permits have been granted a two-week extension for the cargo described in the permit. This exemption will apply until 9th June 2026.”
The breakdown has left many transporters relying on manual processes as they wait for the system to be restored.
Under the temporary arrangement, vehicle inspectors are now required to physically inspect trucks, verify their dimensions, and confirm compliance before allowing them to proceed.
After inspection, the trucks are tagged and issued with release documents showing the vehicle details, charges payable and the action required.
KeNHA said the tags will remain valid until the system is fully restored, after which they will be closed and updated into the digital platform.
For operators carrying abnormal loads, the authority said they must follow a separate process by sending applications directly to kenhapermits@kenha.co.ke for review and guidance.
The authority added that these cases will be handled individually by designated superintendents due to the complexity of oversized cargo movement.
There must be exemption permits for trucks to use the roads in Kenya, particularly those whose movement could be hindered because of the axle load or the size.
KeNHA said that operations would revert to normal when the system would be back online, and all the manual approvals given while the system was down would be regulated.