New Footbridge Project Begins on Thika Road to Curb Rising Pedestrian Fatalities

Thika Road is often celebrated as a modern engineering marvel in Kenya, yet it currently bears a grim reputation as one of the most dangerous highways in Nairobi.

Recent statistics indicate that the superhighway recorded thirteen fatalities in just the first four months of 2024, with pedestrians accounting for a staggering sixty percent of road traffic deaths across the city.

In a bid to curb these tragic numbers, the Kenya National Highways Authority has commenced the construction of a new footbridge at Kihunguro, located strategically between Ruiru and the Eastern Bypass.

This critical infrastructure project officially began in October 2025 and aims to provide a safe crossing for the thousands of residents who daily navigate the perils of the busy highway, where speeding public service vehicles often exceed limits.

Ogal Construction has been tasked with executing the project under the supervision of the Director of Maintenance at KeNHA who is serving as the consulting engineer.

The approved cost for the structure currently stands at one hundred million shillings, a figure justified by the structural standards required for an overpass on such a high-traffic road.

The design promises accessible ramps, high railings and carefully calculated steps to accommodate heavy foot and cycle traffic, although it is expected to follow the template of the recently completed High Point footbridge which does not feature polycarbonate roofing.

Construction crews have already completed blinding for the two main column bases on the central reserve and excavation is currently underway for the outer supports.

Motorists using the route should anticipate significant disruptions as the one and a half year timeline progresses. New culverts have been constructed to create dedicated entries and exits for traffic, but the transition is expected to cause snarl-ups, particularly near the bypass roundabout.

The urgency of this project is underscored by observations at other sections of the highway, such as near Zetech University, where vandalized barriers have led public service vehicles to drop passengers directly on the main carriageway.

Flaunting the road regulations amplify accident risks that the new Kihunguro footbridge seeks to eliminate by enforcing safe designated crossing points for the community.