- The meeting attended by Deputy Governor Nyaga Muisrael and Kenha valuer Njiru Njue also proposed construction of new bridge
- Several accidents have occurred on the bridge including a Mombasa-bound bus accident that killed 36 passengers in July 2022
The government is seeking views to redesign the 'killer' Nithi River bridge to eliminate a sharp curve that has turned it into a black spot.
The Kenya National Highways Authority held a consultative meeting with Tharaka Nithi county on the proposed interventions to reduce accidents.
The meeting attended by Deputy Governor Nyaga Muisrael and Kenha valuer Njiru Njue also proposed construction of new bridge.
Njue said the government is committed to provide a permanent solution to the accidents that have occurred on the bridge.
The 50-metre-long bridge was constructed in 1983.
Several accidents have occurred on the bridge including a Mombasa-bound bus accident that killed 36 passengers in July 2022.
Another accident that occurred at the bridge in 2000 killed 45 people.
"Due to the the mountainous terrain and sharp curves, the road is unfavorable for the speed and has limited sight distances making the section prone to accidents,” Njue said.
The Nithi black spot is on a steep gradient covering three km between Marima and Mitheru markets along the Meru-Embu-Nairobi road.
The government is also considering to tarmac the Old Marima Road.
Muisrael said millions have been lost at the bridge through accidents, urging the national government to provide a solution.
He said blood and accident debris have contaminated the river.
"People living downstream sometimes learn of accidents after the water has turned red, fuel spills into the river, or when they notice some floating debris of vehicle or other items.,” Muisrael said.
“The frequent accidents have also caused trauma to the residents, who witness gory scenes when they respond to accidents."
Tharaka Nithi Roads executive, Giti Kijiru urged Kenha to collaborate and install footbridges on other black spots.
He said speed bumps should be constructed between Kangoro and Chuka town, where three family members were killed by a speeding vehicle last week.
“As the government works to solve the Nithi Bridge problem, Kenha and the National Transport and Safety Authority should conduct a road safety sensitisation exercise,” Kijiru said.
President William Ruto in 2022 promised to change the design of the bridge within his 100 days in office.
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki in 2017 also promised to reconstruct the bridge.