Residents of Tharaka Nithi and Meru counties can finally breathe a sigh of relief after the government released Sh7 billion for the reconstruction of the Nithi Bridge, a blackspot that has claimed scores of lives over the years.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Wednesday February 25, 2026 announced that construction of a new, modern bridge will commence within weeks, promising a safer passage along the treacherous stretch that connects the two counties.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the ongoing Mikinduri–Kunati–Gatithini road in Tigania East, Meru County, Prof Kindiki said the long-awaited project had secured full funding and a contractor would soon move to site.
“We needed Sh7 billion for the bridge and we now have the funds. The contractor will be here soon. The public was engaged for their input on Monday and I will be bringing the contractor to start construction soon,” he said.
For many years Nithi Bridge has been synonymous with tragedy grim tales of fatal accidents that have haunted families, with motorists describing the bridge as the most dangerous spot along the Meru -Nairobi high having claimed many lives.
Addressing the crowd the DP said the new structure, will be designed with enhanced safety features to curb the recurring loss of lives.
According to Prof Kindiki, the bridge will stretch 880 metres, making it the longest in the region.
He added it will link the Marima and Mitheru sections and is expected to significantly improve traffic flow and safety along the busy highway.
“We will have the longest bridge in this region. It will be 880 metres and will link Marima and Mitheru sections,” he added.
The DP also added the government has also turned its focus to the expansion of the Makutano–Embu–Chuka–Meru–Maua Highway into a dual carriageway noting plans were at an advanced stage and construction would begin before the end of the year.
“We are going to ensure this road is a dual carriageway and the construction will commence this year,” he said.
The Deputy President revealed that the State is pushing for the establishment of a National Infrastructure Fund to guarantee steady financing of roads and other key projects across the country.
He noted that inadequate funding in the past had stalled many infrastructure developments, frustrating wananchi and contractors.
Prof Kindiki further said the government has cleared Sh177 billion owed to contractors, paving the way for the resumption of works on over 6,000 kilometres of roads nationwide.
“We now have adequate funds. We have paid all the contractors Sh177 billion and they are back to complete the projects. By next Christmas, we will have completed all the 6,000 kilometres of roads that had stalled for many years and we have more money for new roads,” he declared.
He said in Meru County alone, more than 350 kilometres of roads are earmarked for completion, including 10 that had previously stalled among them is the Mikinduri–Kunati–Gatithini road, which residents say has been under construction for years with little visible progress.
“We have 10 roads that stalled in Meru County which have been revived and are ongoing. We have funds and they are going to be completed on time,” the DP assured.
Prof Kindiki also dismissed critics who claim the Kenya Kwanza administration under President William Ruto has not delivered development in the region.
He maintained that tangible projects on the ground speak louder than political rhetoric.
“Those saying the Ruto government has done nothing for the people of Meru will be ashamed because there is a lot of work going on. Those claiming to be friends of Meru people should tell them what they did when they were in power,” he said.
On the economic front, the DP said the government has finalized plans to maximise benefits from the reopening of the Kenya–Somalia border, particularly for miraa farmers in Meru.
He announced enhanced security measures at the Mandera, Liboi and Kiunga border points to facilitate smooth export of the crop to Somalia.
“We will provide security for miraa exportation through the Mandera, Liboi and Kiunga border points,” he said.
