NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has extended exemption permit deadlines by 10 days after restoring its online permit application system, citing a surge in applications from transporters across the country.
In a public notice issued on Wednesday, KeNHA announced that its permit application portal is now fully operational following recent disruptions that affected the processing of permits for transporters.
The authority said transporters can now access permit services through its online platform as officials work to clear a backlog of applications.
“Since the portal went live, the Authority has received a high volume of permit applications. Our team of verifiers and approvers is working around the clock to clear them, alongside the simultaneous system optimisation and resource allocation,” the notice stated.
To ease pressure on transporters and prevent delays in cargo movement, KeNHA granted an additional 10-day extension for both expired permits and new applications.
Under the directive, trucks operating with recently expired permits will continue transporting cargo specified in their permits until June 19, 2026. Similarly, applicants seeking new permits have until the same date to submit and process their applications through the restored portal.
The move is expected to provide relief to logistics companies, freight operators and transporters who had faced uncertainty following technical challenges that affected permit processing.
Exemption permits are critical for the movement of abnormal loads and oversized cargo on Kenya’s road network. The permits allow transporters to operate vehicles exceeding standard weight and dimension limits under regulated conditions.
KeNHA’s announcement comes amid increased demand for permit approvals as infrastructure projects, construction activities and regional trade continue to drive the movement of heavy cargo across the country.
The authority assured stakeholders that efforts are underway to improve system efficiency and expedite approvals to minimise disruptions to transport operations.
Transporters requiring permit services have been advised to submit their applications through the KeNHA permits portal and take advantage of the extension period before the June 19 deadline.
KeNHA Director General Eng. Luka Kimeli said the extension is intended to facilitate smooth application and approval processes while the authority clears the accumulated applications and enhances system performance.
The authority urged transporters to comply with permit requirements and apply within the extended timeline to avoid future enforcement action once the grace period lapses.
