Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has strongly criticised past administrations for failing to address the long-standing safety concerns surrounding the Nithi Bridge, a notorious accident hotspot along the Meru–Embu highway.

Speaking in Tharaka Nithi County on October 11, 2025, Kindiki faulted former presidents Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta for neglecting the bridge, which was built in 1985 and has been linked to numerous fatal accidents.

He dismissed criticism, labelling the current administration under President William Ruto as “wantam” (incompetent), despite the government securing Ksh8 billion to rebuild the bridge.

Also watch: Kindiki promises to complete stalled projects in Tharaka

“Mbona Moi, Kibaki na Uhuru hawakujenga Nithi Bridge na hawakuambiwa ‘Wantam’? Sasa tumepata bilioni nane ya kuitengeneza kwa miezi chache na tunaambiwa ‘Wantam’!” Kindiki said, questioning why previous regimes were not held to similar scrutiny.

Nithi Bridge

Kindiki explained that the government is prioritising development over politics, underscoring its commitment to completing the Nithi Bridge project.

“We have no time for politics. This is the time to build our country. When the time comes for politics, sisi ni mafundi wa siasa, tunajua wire gani tutashikanisha,” he said.

President William Ruto has also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the bridge’s reconstruction.

Speaking on October 5, 2025, at St Mary’s AIPCA Kathelwa Church in Meru, he said the contract process had been finalised, with Ksh7 billion allocated for the project.

“Tumesema hiyo Nithi Bridge, tuirekebishe tuinyoroshe ndio iwache kuwa ni mahali ya maafa,” he told the congregation.

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has already taken steps to actualise the project. In August 2025, the authority issued tender guidelines for the “Realignment of Nithi Bridge along the Makutano–Embu–Meru (A9) Road.”

The tender documents were uploaded to the Electronic Government Procurement System by August 11, with the redesign focusing on straightening the bridge’s hazardous curves.

Procurement and construction

President Ruto, during an earlier visit to Tharaka Nithi on August 4, 2025, emphasised the urgency of the redesign and construction process.

“The redesign is complete, and it’s solid. The bridge needs Ksh7 billion. Procurement starts tomorrow. The new design straightens the sharp curves, and construction must be completed before the next general election,” he stated.

KeNHA has also announced plans to upgrade other major roads, including Thika–Magumu, Maralal–Morijo, and Kisima–Sura Aduru, to bituminous standards as part of broader infrastructure development.