KeNHA Moving Ahead: Nithi Bridge Early Land Entry Sparks Compensation Concerns

The National Land Commission has granted Kenya National Highways Authority early entry on land parcels for the Nithi Bridge project. This allows construction to start on the new alignment before full compensation to all affected owners is completed.

The decision relies on Section 120(2) of the Land Act. It enables government possession of private land in cases of urgent necessity where delay would harm public interest. Officials applied this to the long-delayed bridge replacement.

NLC served early entry notices to 28 residents in Tharaka Nithi County on Tuesday during a sensitisation meeting. The session involved KeNHA, county administration and affected landowners.

Some residents expressed concern after receiving the notices. They had attended the meeting expecting updates on compensation following the President’s recent assurance that the process was concluded.

The contractor is already mobilised on site. Early entry will allow immediate work on bridge columns and other critical elements while land valuation and payment processes continue.

President William Ruto had stated that compensation for the project was concluded and Sh7 billion allocated. Residents raised questions about the timing of early entry.

NLC Director for Valuation and Taxation Joel Ombati said the move was justified given the contractor’s presence. He noted that even accelerated compulsory acquisition would take around three months.

KeNHA confirmed the NLC approval. The authority said this clearance will keep the multibillion-shilling project on track without waiting for every compensation payment.

Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner David Gitonga assured residents that funds are available. He said valuation is done and his office will provide regular updates on the compensation process.

The existing Nithi Bridge has been a notorious blackspot for decades. It has claimed many lives, particularly during floods when the river becomes dangerous. The new structure is expected to bring much-needed safety improvements.

The project involves realignment and construction of a modern bridge. Early works can now focus on foundations while the NLC completes ownership inquiries and issues award letters.

Some landowners raised concerns about timelines after signing the notices. Officials emphasised that early entry does not stop compensation and payments will be made as planned.

This approach is used in urgent national infrastructure projects to avoid prolonged delays. Similar provisions have supported timely delivery of other road initiatives across the country.

The Nithi Bridge replacement has been a priority in the region for years. KeNHA has been pushing to accelerate works following persistent community calls for action on the dangerous crossing.

Further engagements with affected families are scheduled as construction progresses. The NLC and KeNHA teams will continue addressing questions to ensure smooth implementation.