President William Ruto’s promise to redesign the Nithi Bridge blackspot in Tharaka Nithi County, made during his campaign, is back in focus.
The President had pledged to address the misfortunes experienced at the dangerous bridge within 180 days of taking office.
On July 28, while in Chuka, Ruto, who was by then the Kenya Kwanza presidential candidate, vowed to prioritize rebuilding the bridge, which has been the site of numerous fatal accidents.
His remarks came just days after a Modern Coast bus accident at Nithi Bridge claimed 36 lives.
“First, in honor of those who lost their lives due to this bridge, let us take a moment to remember them,” Ruto said.
He assured the people of Tharaka Nithi, Meru, and all Kenyans that fixing the bridge would be a top priority within the first six months of his presidency.
Ruto stated that nearly 2,000 people had died at the bridge and promised to end the accidents.
“In Chuka, I assure you that within six months, we will have redesigned this bridge to ensure it no longer poses a danger to lives,” he added.
KENHA Meeting with County Officials
In February 2024, Tharaka Nithi County Government and the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) held a consultative meeting on safety interventions for the notorious Nithi Bridge, linked to numerous fatal incidents since its construction in 1983.
Deputy Governor Muisrael Nyaga, alongside KeNHA representatives, discussed urgent safety measures.
“Nithi Bridge is a notorious black spot that has endangered lives for years. We have held a consultative meeting with KeNHA and hope to find a solution soon, as promised in our campaign manifesto,” Nyaga said.
KeNHA Senior Land Valuer Njiru Njue noted that the team was engaging stakeholders to seek interventions and make the bridge a safe passage.
“We are here to gather views as mandated by the constitution to provide solutions that will save lives. We are conducting preliminary studies and engaging stakeholders to ensure all opinions are considered,” he said.
Also Read: 12 Killed in Road Accident at Nithi Bridge
Murkomen Nithi Bridge Reconstruction Plan
This followed a March 2023 meeting between the then Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen and Tharaka Nithi County officials, led by Governor Muthoni Njuki, to discuss redesigning the Nithi Bridge.
Murkomen indicated that the government planned to realign, redesign, dual the bridge, and install speed bumps.
“We have already started the process to prevent further loss of lives at this black spot,” Murkomen said.
He explained that engineers would redesign sharp corners and convert the section between Marima and Mitheru markets into a dual carriageway as part of a four-step action plan.
Murkomen emphasized that these measures would reduce head-on collisions and that speed bumps would help driver’s slowdown in critical areas.
Additionally, road signs would guide drivers and indicate speed limits.
Also Read: Bridge That Has Killed Over 150 Kenyans Needs Ksh1 Billion
Nithi Bridge Accident
Ruto’s promise resurfaced after two separate accidents were reported at the Nithi Bridge on Saturday, August 31.
Twelve people were killed in one of the crashes involving a 14-seater matatu and another vehicle at the bridge.
In the other incident, a Sienta collided with a stalled milk lorry at the Nithi Bridge. Reports suggest the Sienta, heading toward Mitheru, may have suffered brake failure.
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