NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 27 – Residents of Tharaka-Nithi and neighbouring counties are set to benefit from the planned realignment and reconstruction of Nithi Bridge along the busy Makutano-Embu-Meru highway.
The project, set to be implemented by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), targets a section of the road long identified as a high-risk accident blackspot.
Situated about 48 kilometres from Embu Town, the current bridge lies on a steep and winding stretch characterised by sharp curves and limited visibility, contributing to numerous road crashes over the years.
Beyond safety concerns, the A9 highway serves as a critical economic artery linking farmers and traders from the Mt Kenya East region to markets in Embu, Meru and other parts of the country.
Small businesses operating along the route, including fuel stations, eateries and roadside vendors, are likely to benefit from smoother traffic flow, hence renewed investor confidence.
“As this project begins, we are hopeful that it will not only make this road safer but also create jobs for our young people. Many skilled and unskilled workers from this community sit idle at home and are ready to take up opportunities in this construction,” noted a local trader.
Kenfrey Gitari, a young businessperson in Tharaka Nithi constituency, was delighted at the prospect of getting a job at the construction site.
“We as youth are thankful to the President for remembering the plight of the youth who lack jobs,” he said.
KeNHA, at this initial stage, is reported to have commenced stakeholder sensitisation proceedings involving local administrators and community leaders to ensure smooth implementation of the project.
The roads agency, in a statement by the Director General Eng. Luka Kimeli, noted it aims to use the engagement process to settle land-related issues and proactively address any logistical hurdles that might affect the community during the build
As a bridge between the heart of Kenya and its northern frontiers, the A9 corridor is central to the nation’s logistics.
The overhaul of Nithi Bridge should not only be a fix for safety but a strategic move to unite regional markets and solidify economic ties.
