The KSh7.5 billion Nithi Bridge realignment project in Tharaka Nithi County is taking shape via China Wu Yi Company Limited, with an 880-metre bridge and revised approach roads to improve the safety of this section of Kenya’s Makutano–Embu–Meru highway.
The Government of Kenya is embarking on the new Nithi Bridge project to resolve long-standing road safety issues on the Makutano-Embu-Meru (A9) highway. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has awarded the KSh7.5 billion contract to China Wu Yi Company Limited after a competitive procurement process. This represents a major step in the redevelopment of one of Kenya’s most accident-prone roadways.
What Does the KSh7.5 Billion Nithi Bridge Realignment Project Entail?
The project entails constructing a new bridge over the Nithi Valley and realigning the surrounding road to replace the steep gradients, sharp curves and challenging approaches of the existing bridge. According to reports of the contract award, the project is expected to be completed in 2029.
The new bridge would span approximately 880 metres and be part of a wider 2.7-kilometre realignment. The new corridor is intended to provide sight distances, safer approaches for motorists. It will also support the reliable movement of passengers and freight between Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Meru counties.
The project is being funded through the Government of Kenya’s development budget. It is being delivered on an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC)/turnkey basis. Its realization also requires land acquisition and compensation for affected property owners. This will be coordinated through KeNHA and the National Land Commission (NLC).
Nithi Bridge Realignment Project Scope and Engineering Design
The existing Nithi Bridge lies on the A9 highway 48 kilometres from Embu town, between Mitheru and Marima centres. The existing crossing has a three-span composite steel-concrete superstructure 50 metres long. Additionally, its approaches have a sharp horizontal curve of radius approximately 90 metres. The existing Nithi Bridge also has steep grades ranging from 10% to 24%. This presents significant challenges.
The replacement project is designed to address these constraints . The new alignment has been designed to bypass the most hazardous sections. Unlike the rehabilitation of the existing bridge, the project is a substantial highway realignment with the intention of constructing a much longer crossing over the valley.
The new Nithi bridge will be constructed with a prestressed concrete box-girder design supported by pile foundations. The design comprises 22 spans of 40 metres. Each has central piers rising to 100 metres above the deepest part of the valley.
The planned bridge deck is approximately 13 metres wide. It comprises a 7-metre carriageway with footpaths measuring 2 metres on either side. It also has protective concrete crash barriers. These features are intended to improve the movement of vehicles and provide space for pedestrians.
Prestressed concrete box girders are typically used in the construction of long-span bridges. This is due to their superior structural strength and stiffness. Their ability to meet the demanding span and loading requirements also makes them more preferred. Pile foundations are also used to transfer structural loads into deeper, more competent ground where the surface soil or valley conditions may not provide the required support.
Additionally, at Nithi, the steep terrain and significant height of the proposed piers means a different level of pre-construction preparedness. Geotechnical investigation, foundation design, concrete quality control and proper alignment of the structure will more-so be critical to successful construction.
Road Realignment and Supporting Infrastructure
The project encompasses 2.7 kilometres of realigned road and approach infrastructure connecting the areas around Marima and Mitheru. The new alignment is intended to eliminate the challenging curves and steep approaches that have contributed to the accident risk of the existing crossing.
Construction activities include earthworks, excavation and formation of the new road corridor. Nithi Bridge realignment project will also retain and make better structures, bridge foundations and piers. The project will also have superstructure installation, and associated drainage and road-safety features.
Given the valley crossed by the bridge, construction will require access to foundation locations, lifting and placement of structural components, concrete production and transport, and management of works across the challenging terrain. The contractor will also need to ensure that temporary construction arrangements do not compromise the safety of workers or environmental control.
The new route is likely to reduce disruption to existing traffic as it traverses a different alignment to the current crossing. Nevertheless, construction interfaces, local access and traffic management continue to require coordination as the works progress.
Nithi Bridge Realignment Project Cost, Contractor and Delivery Program
Nithi Bridge realignment project contract is valued at KSh7.499 billion. China Wu Yi Company Limited won the contract through competitive procurement and is responsible for delivering the works on an EPC/turnkey framework.
Under this delivery model, design and construction responsibilities are coordinated through the contractor’s contractual obligations and KeNHA’s specified requirements. The arrangement also integrates engineering and construction activities. It also ensures accountability for achieving the required project outcomes.
The project’s current program includes a design period followed by construction. Although some early announcements referenced completion in 2028, later contract details identify August 2029, as the expected completion date.
Additionally, the Government of Kenya is financing the project through its development budget. A detailed public breakdown of expenditure by bridge components, materials, equipment and individual construction packages has however, not been made publicly available.
Construction Progress and Land Acquisition
Land acquisition has also been a significant prerequisite for implementation. This comes as the new alignment extends beyond the existing road corridor.
In May 2026, KeNHA and the National Land Commission began engaging affected landowners on valuation and compensation. By August 2026, the process had reached a final inquiry stage. Valuation was also complete and compensation calculations were underway,.
KeNHA also indicated that an early-entry arrangement would allow works to proceed. This is while outstanding acquisition and compensation requirements were being finalized.
Preliminary earthworks, site establishment and retaining structures continue to progress along the new Nithi Bridge alignment.
The next expected major construction milestones include completion of foundation works and the erection of the tall piers. Installation of the bridge superstructure and completion of the approach roads are expected to follow. This will be proceeded by project testing and safety inspections before opening the new Nithi Bridge to public traffic.
Expected Impact on Transport and Regional Trade from Nithi Bridge Project
The Nithi Bridge project is intended to enhance safety and reliability on a highway linking central Kenya with the eastern and northern parts of the country. The route supports the transportation of passengers, agricultural trade, commercial deliveries and movement between major towns.
A safer alignment could also reduce the risk exposure of dangerous bends and steep gradients, especially for buses, heavy goods vehicles and motorists in poor visibility. The improved road geometry may also improve the reliability of travel and reduce the challenges to vehicle operation.
The project could also support regional economic activity by improving access to markets and agricultural collection centres. Public services and commercial destinations will also be favored. Construction of the new Nithi Bridge is also expected to create employment and demand for transport, materials, equipment and other supporting services. The new bridge will open-up the urban centers and link regional trade alongside other developments such as the KSh651 billion SGR extension project from Naivasha through Kisumu to Malaba.
Nithi Bridge Realignment Project Fact Sheet
Location: Nithi Valley, between Marima and Mitheru centres, Tharaka Nithi County.
Road corridor: Makutano–Embu–Meru Highway (A9).
Project type: Highway bridge construction and road realignment.
Owner and Client: Government of Kenya, through the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).
Developer: Kenya National Highways Authority.
Main contractor: China Wu Yi Company Limited.
Delivery method: Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC)/turnkey contract.
Bridge length: 880 metres.
Total realignment: 2.7 kilometres, including the bridge and approaches.
Bridge design: Prestressed concrete box-girder structure.
Bridge configuration: 22 spans of approximately 40 metres each.
Maximum pier height: 100 metres.
Deck width: 13 metres.
Project cost: KSh7.499 billion.
Funding source: Government of Kenya development budget.
Companies, Project Team and Stakeholders
Government of Kenya: Project funder through the national development budget.
Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA): Client, implementing agency and administrator of the national highway project.
China Wu Yi Company Limited: Main contractor selected through competitive procurement.
National Land Commission (NLC): Responsible for the statutory land acquisition and compensation process.
Kenya’s Ministry of Roads and Transport
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