Reconstruction of Nithi Bridge set to begin, bringing safer connectivity

In a statement issued ahead of a stakeholder sensitisation meeting held at the County Commissioner’s Office in Meru, KeNHA Director General Luka Kimeli said the project will involve a comprehensive redesign and realignment of the bridge, alongside expansion of the approach roads to enhance safety for motorists and other road users.

He noted that construction will begin once the contractor is granted full possession of the identified parcels of land along the project corridor.

“The Nithi Bridge has been identified as a high-risk area for road accidents, primarily due to restrictive road geometrics arising from the challenging terrain, limited sight distances, and steep curves,” said Eng. Kimeli.

Located approximately 48 kilometres from Embu Town, the bridge serves as a critical link between Meru County and Tharaka Nithi County.

According to KeNHA, the risk has been exacerbated by unsafe driver behaviour, including speeding and failure to observe lane discipline, making the area a persistent blackspot that has drawn widespread public concern.

As part of the detailed design phase, survey teams will map all affected land parcels to facilitate acquisition processes by the National Land Commission. This will enable the contractor to access the site without encumbrances and proceed with construction works efficiently within the designated right-of-way.

Residents and traders in Chuka have welcomed the project, expressing hope that the reconstruction will offer a lasting solution to the frequent fatal crashes that have given the bridge a notorious reputation.

Elsepah Njagi, a trader at Mitheru market, said the bridge has caused immense suffering to families across the country.

“It has caused a lot of pain not just to the people here but also Kenyans at large; the whole country has been affected,” she said, adding that the project is also expected to create employment opportunities for local youth and boost transport efficiency.

Another resident, Kenfrey Murimi, who operates a car wash in the area, urged the contractor to prioritise hiring local labour. “We thank the government for finally reconstructing this bridge because many people have lost their lives here,” he said.

During the 2022 presidential campaign, President William Ruto identified Nithi Bridge as one of the priority infrastructure projects under his administration, citing the need to end the long history of fatal accidents at the site.

Earlier this week, the President confirmed that the contractor is already on the ground and ready to begin works, pledging to deliver a modern, safer bridge.

The reconstruction is expected to significantly reduce accidents, improve regional mobility, and support economic activity by strengthening the transport link between Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties.