Interways Works Ltd Achieves Accreditation for Truck Inspection at Webuye Weighbridge
In a significant milestone for road safety and transportation standards in Kenya, Interways Works Limited has been officially accredited as an Inspection Body Type A under ISO/IEC 17020:2012. This accreditation, awarded by the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS), establishes Interways as an independent, competent, and impartial inspection body for truck axle load and wide load dimension checks at the Webuye weighbridge station.
The Importance of Accreditation in Transportation Safety
Accreditation plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of our road networks. By adhering to internationally recognized standards, accredited inspection bodies like Interways Works Ltd contribute significantly to:
· Reducing the risk of accidents
· Maintaining road infrastructure
· Ensuring fair competition among transporters
· Promoting compliance with national and regional regulations
The ISO/IEC 17020:2012 standard specifically outlines the requirements for the competence of inspection bodies and their impartiality in carrying out inspections. This accreditation affirms Interways' commitment to maintaining the highest standards in their operations.
Interways' Role in Regional Transportation
Interways Works Limited manages and operates the Webuye weighbridge along with 1,519 kilometers of adjacent road networks. This strategic location is crucial for monitoring truck traffic heading to Uganda and neighboring countries.
Mr. Vincent Gakumu, General Manager of Interways Works Limited, emphasized the significance of the accreditation: "This accreditation as an Inspection Body Type A will ensure we operate on internationally set standards. It determines our technical competence, independence, and impartiality as we carry out inspection and monitoring of truckers passing here."
Collaboration with Authorities
Interways works closely with the Kenya Highways Authority (KeNHA) and local law enforcement authorities to ensure compliance with regulations. This partnership is essential for enforcing the Traffic Act Cap 403 and EAC VLC 2016 Regulations, which govern axle load limits and wide load dimensions.
The Accreditation Process and Its Impact
Dr. Walter Ongeti, CEO of KENAS, highlighted the rigorous nature of the accreditation process and its importance: "Inspection allows safety aspects to be critically examined and the risk of accidents to be reduced. It is an essential part of ensuring the operational safety of our roads that the public use in their daily lives."
The accreditation process involves:
· Assessing technical competence
· Evaluating independence and impartiality
· Reviewing inspection processes and methodologies
· Ongoing monitoring to ensure continued compliance
Maintaining Standards and Improving Road Safety
With this accreditation, Interways Works Ltd is poised to play an even more critical role in maintaining road safety standards in Kenya and the broader East African region. Compliance with this standard is the basis for accreditation as an inspection body. Therefore, regular assessments by KENAS will ensure that Interways continues to meet the high standards required by their accreditation, adapting to technical and regulatory changes as needed.
As our road networks continue to expand and regional trade grows, the role of accredited inspection bodies like Interways Works Ltd becomes increasingly important. Their commitment to maintaining international standards in truck inspections will contribute significantly to safer roads, better-maintained infrastructure, and more efficient transportation across East Africa.
