Senator Kavindu demands answers over truck menace wrecking Syokimau roads
By Mustafa Juma, September 25, 2025Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu has raised an alarm in the Senate over the continued destruction of estate roads in Syokimau, Machakos County, by overloaded trucks allegedly using residential routes to bypass weighbridges.
Speaking on the floor of the House on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, Kavindu sought a statement from the Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation and Housing, urging urgent intervention to protect Syokimau’s fragile road infrastructure from what she termed “unlawful interference and reckless misuse.”
“I rise, pursuant to Standing Order 53 (1), to seek a statement from the Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation and Housing on a matter of county-wide concern regarding the urgent intervention in protecting and preserving critical road infrastructure within Syokimau from further degradation and unlawful interference,” she stated.
Syokimau residents’ complaints
The Senator’s concerns follow persistent complaints by the Syokimau Residents Association (SRA), which has accused heavy trucks of destroying estate roads designed only for light vehicles.
Residents claim the trucks, some weighing well over ten tonnes, are deliberately using Syokimau’s internal roads to dodge weighbridge checks, leaving behind cratered tarmac, dust, noise, and unsafe conditions for pedestrians.
Breach of erected barriers
Kavindu questioned why government agencies had failed to stop the menace despite a barrier erected near Rim House by a multi-agency team — including the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), and the Machakos County Government — being repeatedly breached.
“The damage continues despite the SRA’s repeated efforts to engage the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and other government stakeholders to promote responsible road use,” Kavindu noted.
She further tasked the Roads Committee, chaired by Senator Eddy Oketch, to explain why trucks exceeding 10 tonnes have been allowed onto estate roads originally built for private cars and service vans.
“The Roads Committee should give us the reasons for authorising trucks exceeding ten (10) tonnes to access estate roads, given that their design and structural layering are intended for lighter vehicles, private cars, and service vans,” the Senator said.
Kavindu also sought clarity on measures to manage traffic from Quarry Road serving mining sites in Katani, including efforts to reduce noise, dust, and air pollution that residents say have made life unbearable.
The Machakos Senator called for the enforcement of the rule of law, consistent zoning policies, and public awareness campaigns to protect Syokimau’s infrastructure.