Nithi Bridge Road. The contractor has already moved to site, ready to roll out the long-awaited modern and safe Nithi Bridge as envisioned by President William Ruto/COURTESY

The ‎Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has assured Kenyans that the reconstruction of Nithi Bridge is firmly on track. 

The Agency's Director General Luka ‎Kimeli said in a statement that the process started with a public participation exercise held in Meru Town in February, followed by mapping out of the affected parcels of land and a geotechnical survey, which is still ongoing. 

‎During his tour of Tharaka Nithi last week, President William Ruto reiterated his commitment to building a modern bridge that would significantly reduce road crashes and loss of lives witnessed in the past. 

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‎Accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and other high-ranking government officials, Ruto said the redesigned bridge offers a long-term solution to the challenges motorists encounter while approaching the bridge. 

‎“We made a promise that we will build a new, modern and safe bridge. You all know that Nithi Bridge has caused problems and deaths for many years. But, my assurance to you is that we now have a solution for Nithi Bridge,” he said.

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‎He added: “We endeavour to leave behind a legacy of solutions, not excuses.” 

‎At the same time, Kimeli announced fresh details about the long-awaited expansion of the country’s most famous bridge, a source of sad memories for families who lost their loved ones at the black spot. 

‎He said that the 880 metre long bridge will be elevated 100 metres from the ground because of the terrain, while the road approaches will be 2.77 kilometres long. 

‎The redesign and realignment of the bridge is expected to promote safety and stability. 

‎“KeNHA is undertaking a comprehensive re-design and realignment of the Nithi Bridge together with the approach roads, with the sole aim of improving safety and addressing,” said Kimeli.  

‎The KeNHA boss also outlined the steps taken so far in the remodelling and reconstruction of the bridge, which has been a source of anguish and misery in the past. 

‎On February 24, KeNHA conducted a participation exercise in Meru. 

‎Nithi Bridge, which will span nearly 3km, makes it Kenya’s second-longest after Dongo Kundu.

‎"The agency has also mapped out the land to be acquired for the construction works,” he pointed out, adding that geotechnical investigations are going on to enable a detailed design to be produced for construction purposes, he said.