Kiambu bridge where only 'smart' drivers can cross

The bridge on Ruiru river connects Ruiru and Juja constituencies from the Kamakis side on the Eastern bypass.

Residents say it is the narrowest bridge in Kiambu County and here driver’s precision and patience apply to drive through.

The width is slightly over seven feet, allowing only small cars, matatus, SUVs and small lorries.

Scratches on the walls of the bridge tell a story. That of motorists wrecking their vehicles while crossing.

The crossing point is the lifeline of Gwa Tom, Ndarasha, Ngoma Tupu, Ndururumo and Karia residents in Juja constituency.

“Though we cross effortlessly, nearly all of us matatu operators have scratched or dented our vehicles on this bridge.  Crossing here is not for the timid,” a matatu driver told Wananchi Reporting.

Marcus Muiruri trusts his wife on wheels but when they get there, he takes over.

“Not every driver can cross this bridge without messing up the vehicle. My wife shakes when she gets here though she is a good driver,” he said.

According to Mzee Joseph Kiarie, a resident, the bridge was quickly built by then Governor Ferdinand Waititu three years ago to save motorists long alternatives through Kimbo, Kenyatta road or Juja, which are kilometers away.

“The bridge is not strong enough to accommodate trucks. At first, there was a height barrier to deter trucks but they vandalised it. Concrete barriers were then put to narrow the space, making it hard to drive through” Kiarie said.

Here, motorists have to be careful and be patient as it is one vehicle at a time.

“Sometimes bodaboda operators are impatient, causing a snarl up, accident or road rage. In the morning or afternoon, they queue to cross,” Kiarie said.

Dennis Muriuki, who operates a butchery nearby, has seen it all. Accidents, motorists denting their vehicles and the weakling driving back.

Early this year he rescued six pupils after their van rolled back.

“A rock prevented it from dropping into the river. I broke the driver’s window to remove her and the kids. She panicked and lost control of the van,” Muriuki disclosed.

Residents hope the incoming county leadership will construct a better, wide bridge because the affected areas are developing rapidly.