The Ministry of Roads and Transport has launched the Bridge Management System (BMS) Manuals, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the inspection, maintenance and management of bridge infrastructure across Kenya.
Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir emphasized that the new framework will enhance bridge safety, improve maintenance planning and extend the lifespan of critical transport infrastructure.
Chirchir explained that Kenya’s road network spans more than 240,000 kilometers across national and county roads and more than 5,100 box culverts that support connectivity across major transport corridors.
“However, ageing infrastructure, inadequate inspection coverage, fragmented records, limited maintenance resources and increasing climate-related risks have exposed bridge assets to deterioration and structural vulnerability,” said the CS.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Principal Secretary for Roads Eng. Joseph Mbugua in Nairobi on Tuesday, Chirchir said that the launch marks a major milestone in modernizing Kenya’s bridge asset management through the adoption of a standardized, data-driven and preventive approach to inspection, maintenance and preservation.
“The eight manuals provide comprehensive guidance for road agencies to safeguard critical infrastructure, enhance public safety, optimize resource utilization, improve value for money and strengthen climate resilience,” said Chirchir.
He highlighted that Kenya has more than 3,100 bridges that support connectivity, trade and economic growth.
Developed with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the manuals establish standardized procedures for bridge inspection, condition assessment, maintenance planning and repair interventions, enabling road agencies to prioritize investments and improve the resilience of bridge assets.
On his part, the Principal Secretary commended the Government of Japan and JICA for their continued technical support, noting that the partnership has strengthened institutional capacity and advanced sustainable bridge asset management in Kenya.
The bridge management system enables systematic collection of inspection data, standardized condition ratings and objective prioritization of maintenance interventions allowing road agencies to allocate resources efficiently, improve safety outcomes and maximize value for public investment.
The launch underscores the Government’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure development under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), ensuring that Kenya’s bridge network continues to support economic growth and serve present and future generations.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
