The government has finalized plans to engage residents affected by the proposed construction of the new Nithi Bridge in Tharaka Nithi County at a cost of approximately Sh7.5 billion.
The officials are expected to commence the valuation and compensation roadmap to pave way for the construction the key road safety infrastructure projects along the Meru–Nairobi highway.
Officials from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and the National Land Commission (NLC) on held a public sensitization forum at Muthambi Deputy County Commissioner’s hall, issuing notices and briefing landowners whose property falls within the proposed acquisition corridor.
The exercise brought together government officials, local administrators and residents, even as the state moves to implement the realignment of the notorious killer Bridge section, long identified as one of the country’s most dangerous road black spots.
Speaking during the forum, KeNHA Deputy Director in charge of Structures Engineer Michael Ngala said the project is designed to permanently eliminate the sharp curves and steep descent that have made the current Nithi Bridge a persistent accident hotspot.
He said the realignment will ensure safer engineering standards along the busy highway corridor linking Nairobi to Meru and the larger Upper Eastern region.
“We have come for public sensitization and issuance of the gazette notice by the National Land Commission for the acquisition of land that will be used for the construction of the new realignment of Nithi Bridge,” said Ngala.
He added that the new bridge will measure approximately 880 metres in length and about 100 metres in height, making it one of the most significant infrastructure undertakings in the region.
According to Ngala, the design will completely eliminate the dangerous curves and steep gradient associated with the current bridge, which has over the years been linked to multiple fatal accidents involving buses, trucks and private vehicles.
“The realignment basically means we are creating a safer route and acquiring land that will allow us to undertake safe construction and completely eliminate the curves that have been killing people for a long time,” he said.
He further confirmed that the contractor is already on site, with preparatory works underway ahead of full commencement.
On his part, NLC Director of Valuation and Taxation Joel Ombati said the sensitization exercise was aimed at informing the public and ensuring participation in the compulsory land acquisition process.
He emphasized that the project serves public interest, particularly in improving road safety along the busy corridor.
“We are here to inform and allow the community to participate in relation to the acquisition of their land to ensure success in the construction of the bridge and associated facilities,” he said.
Ombati disclosed that 81 parcels of land have been identified for compensation, adding that ownership verification will be conducted before payments are processed to ensure only rightful landowners are compensated.
He cautioned residents against undertaking new developments or altering existing structures following gazettement, warning that such actions may create disputes during valuation.
He further urged affected residents to allow the process to proceed to completion and await compensation through bank payments.
Senior Valuer at the National Land Commission Elizabeth Makau assured residents that the valuation exercise will be conducted transparently and fairly.
She said officers will begin field visits to assess affected properties and determine compensation based on existing developments and land value.
“Everyone will be compensated fairly according to what they have. There will be transparency to ensure all affected persons are satisfied and to create a good working relationship that will allow the project to proceed smoothly,” she said.
The County Commissioner David Gitonga urged residents to cooperate with government agencies to ensure smooth implementation of the project.
He noted that some families are yet to complete succession and land ownership documentation, which could delay compensation if not addressed.
“We have agreed with the relevant agencies that we shall work together to help families acquire ownership documents through legal procedures so that they can receive their compensation,” he said.
Residents welcomed the planned project, expressing optimism that it will finally end years of deadly accidents at the black spot.
Jane Gitari, a resident of the area, said the new bridge has renewed hope among families who have lost loved ones along the stretch, urging for timely completion and fair compensation for affected landowners.
By Dickson Mwiti and Christine Ngitori
