The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has approved the final design for the reconstruction and realignment of the Nithi Bridge, clearing the way for the next stage of one of Kenya's major road-safety projects.
The project is estimated at KSh7.5 billion and targets the notorious Nithi section along the Makutano–Embu–Meru highway. KeNHA Director General Luka Kimeli inspected the project and approved the final design as the authority prepared for preliminary works.
The Nithi Bridge has for years been regarded as one of the country's dangerous road sections because of its steep descent and sharp bends.
New alignment
The project involves replacing the existing road configuration with a new alignment designed to improve safety and traffic flow.
The planned bridge is expected to form part of an approximately 2.7-kilometre realignment, with the new viaduct stretching about 880 metres across the Nithi Valley.
The infrastructure investment is expected to have benefits beyond road safety.
The Makutano–Embu–Meru corridor is an important transport route serving businesses and communities in the eastern part of the country. A safer and more efficient road could reduce travel times, vehicle operating costs and disruptions caused by accidents.
Construction activity is also expected to create opportunities for suppliers, contractors, transport companies and other businesses operating around the project.
By August 18, the project had moved closer to active construction, with the National Land Commission undertaking the final stages of land acquisition and compensation for affected property owners.
The project therefore represents both a road-safety intervention and an investment in Kenya's transport infrastructure, particularly for businesses dependent on reliable movement of goods between Nairobi, Meru, Embu and surrounding counties.
