Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has assured Meru and Tharaka Nithi residents that the 'killer' Nithi bridge funds will be expanded to stem accidents.
Kindiki said the Cabinet has approved funds to undertake construction of the multi billion Nithi bridge located a few kilometres from Chuka town along the Meru-Embu-Nairobi highway.
The bridge has claimed hundreds of lives since it was constructed in the 1980s and is considered a black spot.
"I am aware Nithi bridge has been a thorn in the flesh where we have lost so many people. The good news is that the first installment to pay for the construction of a new bridge has been approved by the Cabinet as per the orders of President William Ruto," Kindiki said.
The restructuring of the bridge will span about three kilometres between Marima and Mitheru markets.
In April, State House announced that a meeting between President William Ruto and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping had reached an agreement to have the bridge constructed, among other projects.
The President had earlier assured Meru residents during a tour of the region in March that the project was a priority and the government would ensure it's completed by the end of the year.
He then tasked the Kenya National Highways Authority with the responsibility of determining how best to construct the bridge.
The DP also asked local leaders to desist from inciting violence in Mt Kenya region, saying such retrogressive acts will not be tolerated.
Kindiki said the destruction and looting witnessed during recent protests is regrettable, calling on residents not to fall prey to politicians keen on causing unrest in the region for personal gain.
“We have had many politicians before competing against each other over ideologies but we have never witnessed the kind of destruction we saw recently,” he said.
“Why have we stooped this low as a community? Let us compete over policies and ideologies and let the people decide who has the best of them.”
Kindiki said it is unacceptable for hardworking Kenyans operating businesses in the region to become victims of looting sprees orchestrated by goons.
“Many of these businesspeople built their businesses from scratch and it has taken them decades to be where they are only for some misguided people to destroy it".
"This will not happen again. What occurred the last protests was the last time it will happen,” he added during a consultative engagement meeting with Meru county leaders.
During the meeting, the DP assured Mt Kenya residents that the government remains committed to completing ongoing projects as well as starting others.
"We are focused on development because we want to ensure we have a scorecard to bring back to you when we are seeking reelection. We will show you the number of roads we have constructed, the number of homes connected to electricity and the markets constructed,” he said.
The government is currently constructing 21 modern markets in Meru county, with the Sh800 million Gakoromone being the biggest fresh produce modern market in Kenya.
More markets are underway in Lare, Kianjai, Maua, Nkubu and other major towns in the devolved unit.
Another Sh2.2 billion has been allocated for last-mile electricity expansion and Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital schedules to be elevated to level 6 following a directive by President Ruto.
"The elevation will be done by the Kenya Defence Forces as directed by the President," Kindiki added.
