NITHI, Kenya — After years of public outcry and unkept promises, the deadly Nithi Bridge may finally be rebuilt.
President William Ruto has secured Chinese funding to replace the notorious blackspot on the Embu–Meru highway, a stretch of road that has become synonymous with tragedy. The deal, signed in Beijing on Wednesday, follows weeks of pressure on the government to act after decades of fatal accidents.
“This partnership marks a turning point,” said Hussein Mohammed, the president’s spokesperson. “China has agreed to work with Kenya to deliver key connectivity projects, and the Nithi Bridge is among them.”
The agreement, finalised during Ruto’s state visit to China, was part of a broader infrastructure package. It includes plans to extend the Standard Gauge Railway to Malaba and expand the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit highway.
But it’s the bridge—known locally as “the killer bridge”—that has struck a chord with many Kenyans.
A Bridge Stained by Tragedy
Built in the early 1980s, the Nithi Bridge crosses a steep valley in Tharaka-Nithi County. Over the years, it has been the scene of some of the country’s worst road accidents.
In 2000, more than 45 passengers died when a bus plunged off the bridge. In 2022, another crash killed 33 people. Just last April, four lives were lost when a matatu veered off the edge.
Local leaders have long called for action, accusing successive governments of turning a blind eye. They say the bridge’s sharp curves, poor lighting and lack of barriers make it a death trap—especially in poor weather.
“The people of Meru and Tharaka-Nithi have buried too many,” said MP Beatrice Nkatha. “We’ve cried for help for years. This project must not stall again.”
A Pledge Under Pressure
During his campaign in 2022, Ruto promised swift reforms to the bridge’s design. He pledged to start work within 180 days of taking office. But by March 2025, no visible progress had been made.
At a public address on 30 March, Ruto said technical discussions were still underway. Two proposals were on the table—one costing Sh5 billion, another ten times more.
“We have a plan,” the president said. “KeRRA and KeNHA have been evaluating the best solution. One is simpler and cheaper. The other is a full redesign that will cost us Sh50 billion.”
Some experts have questioned the delay.
“It’s not a lack of plans—we’ve had them for years,” said Njeri Wanjiru, a transport engineer in Nairobi. “It’s always been a question of political will and budget priorities.”
A Bigger Deal in Play
Ruto’s visit to Beijing wasn’t just about one bridge.
The broader deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping also includes the dualing of several key roads, including the Kiambu-Northern Bypass and Eldoret Bypass, and a new push to link Naivasha and Malaba by rail.
“We are not just building roads—we are connecting communities and opening trade routes,” Ruto said after signing the agreement.
But questions remain about debt and delivery. Kenya already owes China billions in infrastructure loans, and critics warn the country must tread carefully.
“New roads are welcome,” said economist David Ndii. “But we must ensure the terms are transparent and sustainable.”
A Test of Trust
For families who have lost loved ones on the Nithi Bridge, the government’s words will mean little unless backed by visible change.
“We’ve heard it all before,” said Mary Karimi, who lost her brother in a 2019 crash. “If this time is different, let them prove it.”
With construction now expected to begin before the end of the year, many in the region are watching closely. This bridge, once a symbol of neglect, could soon become a test of Ruto’s ability to deliver on promises made—and finally save lives where too many have already been lost.
