Work on Sh7 billion Nithi Bridge and Meru bypass projects to commence in February

The government has scheduled the start of construction for the new Nithi Bridge for February 2026, marking the beginning of a Sh7 billion engineering project designed to eliminate one of the most hazardous blackspots on the Kenyan road network. The intervention follows years of fatal accidents at the bridge, located on the border of Tharaka-Nithi and Meru counties along the Embu-Meru highway. 

The project involves a complete realignment of the existing road crossing. The current structure, which dates back to 1985, is known for its sharp approach curves and steep gradients that have contributed to numerous brake failures and collisions. Engineering plans for the new Sh7 billion investment focus on straightening these approach sections to provide a safer transit corridor for heavy commercial vehicles and passenger buses operating between Nairobi and the North Rift and Upper Eastern regions. 

The bridge works form part of a wider Sh10 billion infrastructure package for Meru County. This includes a Sh3 billion bypass development aimed at resolving traffic gridlock within Meru town. The bypass is intended to divert long-distance traffic away from the central business district, facilitating the town's planned transition into Kenya’s sixth city. The project follows the completion of earlier bitumen standard works on eastern and western bypasses in the region, which cost approximately Sh3.07 billion and covered roughly 21 kilometers. 

Speaking at Kinoru Stadium on Thursday, the President confirmed that the Sh3 billion allocation for the new bypass is already secured. He noted that the administration is currently addressing final contractor-related details before machinery moves to the site. The urban decongestion strategy is being coordinated by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority to ensure the new road network supports the increased logistical demands of a growing urban population. 

The planned road and health investments align with the Meru County Annual Development Plan for 2025/2026, which prioritizes the completion of stalled infrastructure and the expansion of the regional transport network. With the Nithi Bridge tender process having concluded in late 2025, the Kenya National Highways Authority is now preparing for the mobilization of equipment to the Tharaka-Nithi-Meru border next month.