Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Thursday, October 22, witnessed the commencement of construction of the KSh7.5 billion Nithi River Bridge in Maara Constituency, Tharaka Nithi County.

The 880-metre bridge, which will rise approximately 100 metres above the Nithi River valley, is expected to improve road safety along the Nairobi–Embu–Meru highway, where the existing crossing has been associated with fatal accidents for decades.

The project also includes a 2.7-kilometre approach road connecting Marima and Mitheru centres, designed to help motorists navigate the challenging terrain more safely.

The existing Nithi crossing has long been a concern for road users because of its steep gradients, sharp bends and limited visibility. The dangers were highlighted in July 2022 when a bus plunged into the river, killing 33 people.

The new bridge is expected to provide a safer alternative while improving connectivity along the busy transport corridor linking Nairobi to Meru and other parts of the Upper Eastern region.

Kindiki says funding for the project has been secured and ring-fenced to support construction. The works are scheduled to take 24 months, although the administration intends to shorten the timeline without compromising quality or engineering standards.

The road realignment is a key component of the project, as it will allow motorists to bypass some of the dangerous curves and steep approaches associated with the existing crossing.

The bridge project follows decades of calls from residents and motorists for a safer crossing at Nithi River, where fatal crashes have claimed numerous lives over the years.

Kindiki acknowledged that the government had taken longer than expected to begin construction because of the project’s complex design and unexpectedly high cost.

President William Ruto had promised to rebuild the bridge during his 2022 presidential campaign.In April 2023, he assured residents that the project would be included in government budget plans.

On August 4, 2025, President William Ruto announced a Ksh7 billion construction plan and directed that the bridge be completed before the 2027 General Election.

The project is intended to replace a crossing associated with decades of fatal accidents.

In October 2026, residents welcomed the beginning of preparatory construction works, expressing hope that the redesigned crossing would improve road safety.

Once completed, the infrastructure is expected to ease the movement of passengers and goods along the Nairobi–Embu–Meru highway, while improving safety for motorists travelling between the region’s towns and commercial centres.