President William Ruto has assured Kenyans that the long-awaited reconstruction of the deadly Nithi Bridge will be completed before the 2027 General Election. Speaking at State House Nairobi on Monday during a meeting with leaders from Tharaka-Nithi County, Ruto confirmed that procurement for the project will begin immediately, signaling a major step forward in addressing one of Kenya’s most notorious black spots.
Nithi Bridge, located along the Embu–Meru road, has long been a death trap for motorists and passengers due to its treacherous design. The site has recorded numerous accidents over the years, prompting repeated calls from residents and leaders for urgent government intervention.
“You told me that we shall have a fallout about this Nithi Bridge. You told me to either fix the bridge or we will fall out. I heard you, and I will fix it,” Ruto said. “It requires Sh7 billion, which is a lot of money, but I will fix it by all means.”
The President confirmed that he had reviewed the design of the new bridge and is satisfied that it will greatly reduce road fatalities. “It is an expensive bridge, but we must do it to save lives and ensure motorists and passengers using that side of the road do not endanger their lives,” he added.
In April, the government secured funding for the project through an agreement with China, following President Ruto’s state visit to the People’s Republic. According to State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed, the Nithi Bridge was among several infrastructure projects agreed upon during discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
China will partner with Kenya not only on the construction of the bridge but also on major infrastructure undertakings such as the expansion of the Standard Gauge Railway and key highways across the country.
This commitment marks a significant milestone in improving road safety in Tharaka-Nithi County and the greater Mt. Kenya region. The launch of the procurement process signals the beginning of a transformative infrastructure upgrade aimed at saving lives and boosting regional connectivity.
