New Nithi Bridge to cost Ksh.7.5B as Kindiki announces start of works

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced the commencement of construction of a new Ksh.7.5 billion bridge across River Nithi in Tharaka Nithi County, in a move aimed at addressing decades of fatal accidents along the Nairobi-Embu-Meru highway.

Speaking during the launch of construction works in Maara Constituency on Thursday, October 22, Kindiki said the new bridge will measure 880 metres in length and stand 100 metres high, with an additional 2.7 kilometres of approach roads connecting Marima and Mitheru trading centres.

The existing Nithi Bridge, constructed in 1985, has long been regarded as one of Kenya's most notorious accident black spots, with numerous fatal crashes involving buses, trucks and private vehicles recorded over the past four decades.

Kindiki said residents had repeatedly appealed for a safer crossing following years of accidents that have claimed hundreds of lives.

The Deputy President acknowledged delays in implementing the project, explaining that the complexity of the engineering design and the high construction cost had slowed its commencement.

He said President William Ruto's administration had committed to replacing the bridge upon assuming office in 2022 but required additional time to finalise the design and secure funding.

According to Kindiki, the government has now secured and ring-fenced the Ksh.7.5 billion required for the project to ensure construction proceeds without financial interruptions.

The project is scheduled for completion within 24 months, although the Deputy President said the government would seek to shorten the timeline while maintaining the required engineering and safety standards.

Once completed, the new bridge is expected to improve road safety and facilitate the movement of passengers and goods along the busy highway linking Nairobi to counties in the Mt. Kenya East region.