Ruto reveals date when procurement of notorious Nithi bridge will start
By Steve Ireri, August 4, 2025President William Ruto has officially revealed that the procurement process for the redesign and reconstruction of the notorious Nithi bridge will commence on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.
He made the announcement during a meeting with leaders from Tharaka Nithi County on Monday, August 4, 2025, who had raised concerns about the persistent dangers posed by the bridge.
Ruto acknowledged the urgency of the situation, stating that local leaders had explicitly demanded action on the bridge, warning of consequences if the government failed to respond.
“You, the leaders of Tharaka Nithi, told me exactly where we should focus our efforts, and that is the Nithi bridge. You made it clear, you want this bridge fixed, or there will be conflict. I heard you loud and clear, and this bridge I will fix,” the president said.
The president revealed that the project would require an investment of approximately seven billion shillings, emphasising that while the cost is high, the safety of motorists and residents takes precedence.
“This is a very expensive bridge, but we must do it to save lives and ensure that motorists, passengers, and everyone using this route do not endanger their lives,” Ruto explained.
He further detailed the technical approach to the redesign, noting that the existing structure’s design contributed to frequent accidents.
He insisted that a new design for the bridge has been developed and revealed that he personally took time to study it, expressing confidence that it will provide a permanent panacea to the problem.
“We have completed the design, which I have personally reviewed, and it is sound. The plan involves straightening the Nithi bridge, eliminating sharp corners that have caused many vehicles to overturn and plunge into the river below,” the president said.
Ruto made it clear that the bridge’s reconstruction would proceed without delay and must be completed before the next general elections.
“I do not want any excuses or delays. This bridge has caused too much loss to Kenyans, and I will ensure the work is finished on time,” he stated firmly.
He also addressed rumours that the announcement was a reaction to the leaders’ visit to State House, clarifying that the decision was based on the serious consequences of inaction and the safety concerns voiced by the community.
“This is not simply because leaders came to State House today; it is because you told me the consequences, and that is why we are moving forward,” he explained.
The president appealed to the people of Tharaka Nithi, Embu, and all users of the road to be patient and supportive as the government undertakes this critical infrastructure project.
He said people should cast away any lingering doubts about his commitment to fulfil his promise, insisting that he would go to any length within his power to deliver on the pledge.
“Up, down, left and right, this bridge must be rebuilt properly. It is a project for the safety and future of the entire region,” he said.
Blackspot
Nithi Bridge, located in Tharaka Nithi County along the busy Nairobi-Meru highway corridor, has long been regarded as one of Kenya’s most dangerous bridges.
Its sharp bends, narrow lanes, and aging infrastructure have contributed to numerous accidents over the years, many of which have resulted in tragic loss of life.
The bridge’s design has been widely criticised for creating hazardous driving conditions, especially for heavy vehicles navigating the steep approaches.
The sharp corners on the bridge cause many vehicles to lose control, leading to overturns and crashes into the deep river below. For decades, residents and road safety advocates have called for urgent reconstruction to modernise the bridge and improve safety.
One of the most devastating accidents occurred in 2019 when a matatu overturned on the bridge, killing over a dozen passengers. The incident sparked outrage and renewed demands for government intervention.
More recently, the bridge was linked to a fatal crash involving a Modern Coast bus that plunged into the river after losing control near the bridge.
The tragedy claimed over 35 lives and left many injured, marking it as one of the deadliest road accidents in the region’s history.