Kindiki says govt has availed Ksh7B for Nithi Bridge construction
By Oliver Musembi, February 25, 2026The reconstruction of the new 880-metre Nithi Bridge is set to commence in the next few weeks in a bid to avert deaths along the deadly road stretch, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has disclosed.
The DP said the government has already allocated Ksh7 billion for the new bridge that will be safer for motorists passing through the accident black spot that has claimed many lives on the main road connecting Tharaka Nithi and Meru counties.
“We needed Ksh7 billion for the bridge, and we now have the funds. The contractor will be here soon. The public was engaged for their input on Monday, and I will be bringing the contractor to start construction soon,” Kindiki assured.
The deputy president spoke on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, when he inspected the ongoing construction of the Mikinduri-Kunati-Gatithini Road in Tigania East, in Meru County.
Kindiki said the new bridge will be one of the longest in the region and features architectural designs meant to enhance safe travelling along the road.
“We will have the longest bridge in this region. It will be 880 metres and will link the Marima and Mitheru sections,” DP added.
Further, the DP said the expansion of the Makutano-Embu-Chuka-Meru-Maua Highway is underway, promising to ensure it begins before the end of the year.
“We are going to ensure this road is a dual carriageway, and the construction is set to begin this year,” he said.
He added that the government is keen on the establishment of the National Infrastructure Fund to support the construction of more roads and other infrastructure projects across the country.
Meru roads
The DP said the government has also allocated funds for the completion of over 6,000 kilometres of roads nationally, including over 350 kilometres in Meru County.
“We now have adequate funds. We have paid all the contractors Ksh177 billion shillings, and they are back to complete the projects.
“By the next Christmas, we will have completed all the 6000 km of roads that had stalled for many years. On top of these roads, we have more money for new roads,” Kindiki declared.
He also reassured that the Mikinduri-Kunati-Gatithini Road will be completed on time, having stalled for many years.
“We have 10 roads that stalled in Meru County which have been revived and are ongoing. “We have funds, and they are going to be completed on time,” DP assured.
Kindiki condemning opposition
He dismissed claims by political opponents that the government has done nothing in the region, saying many development projects are progressing in the area.
“Those saying the Ruto government has done nothing for the people of Meru will be ashamed because there is a lot of work going on, and those claiming to be friends of Meru people should tell them what they did when they were in power,” he added.
On miraa export, the DP said the government has finalised plans to capitalise on the reopening of the Kenya-Somalia border to ease transportation of the product to the neighbouring country.
“We will provide security for the miraa exportation through the Mandera, Liboi and Kiunga border points,” the DP revealed.