Communities along the Makutano-Embu-Meru corridor are set to benefit from a major safety upgrade as the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) moves ahead with plans to realign and reconstruct the Nithi Bridge.

For years, the Nithi River crossing has been considered one of the most dangerous sections of the A9 highway. Characterised by steep slopes, sharp curves and poor visibility, the stretch has earned a reputation as a high-risk accident blackspot, with numerous crashes and fatalities reported over time.

KeNHA says the planned works will address the structural and geometric flaws that have contributed to accidents by constructing a modern bridge and upgrading the approach roads to improve visibility and vehicle control.
Documents reviewed by journalists show that the agency has already initiated stakeholder sensitisation meetings bringing together residents, local administrators and security officials to ensure smooth coordination ahead of construction.
To residents of Tharaka-Nithi and neighbouring counties, the project represents more than an infrastructure intervention. It is seen as a long-awaited solution to a deadly stretch that has disrupted families and affected livelihoods.
“We are thankful to the government for taking note of the dangers of this bridge,” said Elizapa Njagi, a businesswoman in Muthiru.
“This road has not only affected people from Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties but also other regions of Kenya, as it has claimed many lives over the years,” she added.
Residents say they are encouraged by reports that the contractor has begun mobilising to the site and are hopeful that construction will commence without delay.
“We need the bridge to be constructed quickly to ensure safer travel for everyone using this road,” another resident said.
The project was previously highlighted by William Ruto as “a comprehensive realignment and reconstruction of the bridge into a modern design aimed at enhancing road safety and boosting socio-economic development in the region.”
Despite the optimism, some residents have called for transparency and timely implementation. “We hope the presence of contractors on site is not a campaign tactic, but that real work will begin for the sake of travellers and businesses here,” another local remarked.
As part of the design phase, KeNHA says it is mapping out parcels of land likely to be affected along the project corridor to fast-track land acquisition in collaboration with the National Lands Commission, clearing the way for full implementation of the safety upgrade.