Ruto Sets 2027 Deadline for Nithi Bridge Construction

President William Ruto has pledged to complete the redesign of the notorious Nithi Bridge in Tharaka Nithi by 2027 to eliminate one of the deadliest black spots on Kenya’s roads. 

Nithi Bridge, built in 1985 on the Meru-Embu highway, has long been associated with tragic accidents. It earned the nickname “killer bridge” after a series of fatal incidents, the worst of which occurred in August 2000, when a horrific bus crash claimed the lives of 45 people. 

As a result, changes to the Nithi Bridge design were made to introduce a central embankment, aiming to reduce overtaking and enhance safety.

However, despite this intervention, major accidents have continued to plague the bridge, with the most recent one being in 2022, when 33 people died in a similar crash. 

In February 2024, Kenya’s road agencies and the Tharaka Nithi County Government began plans to redesign Nithi Bridge—including a new structure to eliminate sharp curves and steep gradients blamed for frequent accidents.

Sh5 billion

According to Dr Ruto, the new plan spanning three kilometres between Marima and Mitheru markets is expected to cost Sh5 billion. During his visit to Chuka Town on April 4, President Ruto promised to complete the project before 2027, calling it a test he must pass. 

“Now KURA, KERRA, and KeNHA officials have planned and been given a Sh5 billion bill for redesigning the bridge so that locals can stop suffering,” he stated.

The Nithi Bridge black spot has claimed numerous lives for decades, with the 2000 and 2022 accidents standing out as particularly devastating. Despite previous promises, progress has been slow, leading to growing frustration among local leaders. 

Dr Ruto’s commitment to redesign the bridge comes after an earlier interview, where he revealed that the government was considering two options: a Sh5 billion plan and a more expensive Sh50 billion solution.

“I had given KeRRA and KeNHA the assignment to figure out how we are going to work on that bridge,” Dr Ruto said in a televised interview. “They have designed two options, one will cost Sh5 billion, and the other will cost Sh50 billion. We have to make a choice.” 

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Meanwhile, China has reportedly agreed to finance the Nithi Bridge construction project as part of a broader infrastructure deal secured during President Ruto’s recent visit to Beijing.

Under the agreement, announced on April 24, 2025, China will partner with Kenya on the construction of the bridge, just weeks after Dr Ruto pledged to complete the project by 2027.

“China agreed to work with Kenya on implementing strategic connectivity development projects,” said State House spokesperson Hussein Mohammed. 

“These include investments in the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway to Naivasha (Phase II) and from Naivasha to Malaba (Phase III), as well as the expansion and dualing of the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit–Malaba highway, the Kiambu Northern Bypass, the Eldoret Bypass, and the construction of the Nithi Bridge.”

The partnership marks a significant step towards addressing one of Kenya’s most dangerous road black spots and improving regional transport infrastructure.

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