The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is set to expand a bridge on River Ngarenaro near Nyahururu town.
The bridge will connect Nyandarua County and Laikipia County to improve safety of road users in the area.
KeNHA Board Chair Ms. Winfrida Ngumi said the existing narrow bridge has been a black spot, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists, because it was constructed without a walkway.
“Learners walking from Kibathi and Madaraka Estates to schools in Nyahururu town have been finding it difficult to cross the bridge due to speeding rush hour traffic,” noted Ms. Ngumi.
Ms. Ngumi said a procurement process has been initiated and is going on, and in the next three months a contractor will be on site.
The construction of the bridge will also include a footbridge on either side of the road for pedestrians.
“A space for non-motorized traffic will also be provided,” she added.
The black spot has been a constant cause of protest by activists whenever an accident occurs.
Recently local residents mobilized and constructed a temporary wooden footpath after a pedestrian was knocked by a speeding vehicle.
Ms. Ngumi was addressing the press after attending a public road safety sensitization forum in Ol-Kalou Constituency.
During the forum held at Muiri Primary School ground, Ms. Ngumi said the Ol-Kalou forum was part of similar ones that are being held countrywide.
“At KeNHA we have several road safety programs that we are running in line with the Road Safety Policy that was launched by the president in 2024,” she said.
She said one of the measures taken by KeNHA is fast-tracking road maintenance and enhancing bridges in the country.
Ms. Ngumi called upon the citizens to take care of roads, saying vandalism of road signs has been rampant.
by Esther Kibiro and Josephine Kalondu
