The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is set to finally reconstruct the notorious Nithi Bridge along the Makutano–Embu–Meru (A9) road, bringing an end to nearly four decades of safety concerns and deadly accidents blamed on engineering defects.
Originally built in 1985, the bridge has gained a grim reputation as a death trap, with numerous fatal accidents over the years. Despite persistent public outcry, successive governments failed to take action—until now.
President William Ruto, last week, pledged to realign and rebuild the bridge to improve safety and restore confidence in the vital highway.
That promise is now taking shape, with KeNHA announcing that the Sh7 billion tender for the reconstruction will be opened on August 11, 2025, through the Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system.
“Interested contractors must register on the platform at https://egpkenya.go.ke to access and bid for the tender. The project is among the first to be fully processed through the e-GP system as KeNHA transitions to digital procurement for the 2025/2026 financial year,” read a notice by KeNHA.
Also slated for procurement via the same platform is the rehabilitation and improvement of the Thika–Magumu (B20) road.
“People from Tharaka Nithi have always urged me to construct the bridge or they will have problems with me, but I want to assure them that I must construct the bridge, whatever comes may,” the President stated.
The Head of State confirmed that the new bridge design is complete and features major improvements. “We are starting the procurement process of the Nithi Bridge tomorrow.
The new designs of the bridge are ready, and I have already checked them. The new design is good because instead of it being curved, we will make it straight,” he said.
Located along the Embu-Meru Highway, the Nithi Bridge is infamously known as a black spot due to its steep descent, sharp turns, and poor safety features, which have led to numerous fatal accidents over the years.
