Construction of Sh7.5bn Nithi Bridge begins
Construction has officially begun on the Sh7.5 billion Nithi Bridge in Kenya, a project intended to replace a dangerous crossing that has seen numerous fatal accidents since 1985. The government aims to complete the 880-metre bridge within 24 months.
Why it matters
The bridge is a critical infrastructure project for local safety and regional connectivity, addressing a long-standing public grievance.
Construction of the Sh7.5 billion Nithi Bridge Construction of the Sh7.5 billion Nithi Bridge has formally commenced, with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki directing the contractor to speed up the works while maintaining quality and safety standards.
The 880-metre bridge will rise 100 metres above the Nithi River and connect Marima and Mitheru through 2.7 kilometres of approach roads along the Nairobi-Embu-Meru highway.
The government has secured funding for the project, which is scheduled for completion within 24 months. Kindiki said the construction period should be shortened without compromising engineering standards.
Speaking during the commencement of works in Maara Constituency, Tharaka Nithi, on Thursday, Kindiki said residents had spent four decades asking successive governments to replace the existing bridge, which was built in 1985.
He said hundreds of people had died in accidents at the crossing, where buses, lorries and private vehicles have plunged into the river.
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