The government has completed preparations to involve residents impacted by the planned construction of the new Nithi Bridge in Tharaka Nithi County, estimated at approximately Sh7.5 billion.
Officials are set to initiate the valuation and compensation process to facilitate the development of crucial road safety infrastructure along the Meru–Nairobi highway.
Officials from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and the National Land Commission (NLC) conducted a public awareness forum at Muthambi Deputy County Commissioner’s hall, distributing notices and updating landowners whose properties lie within the proposed acquisition zone.
The gathering included government representatives, local administrators, and residents, as the government advances with realigning the notorious bridge section, which has long been recognized as one of the nation’s most hazardous road accident locations.
During the forum, KeNHA Deputy Director for Structures Engineer Michael Ngala stated that the project aims to permanently remove the sharp curves and steep inclines that have rendered the current Nithi Bridge a frequent accident site.
He mentioned that the realignment will establish improved engineering standards along the heavily traveled highway connecting Nairobi to Meru and the broader Upper Eastern region.
“We are here for public awareness and to issue the gazette notice through the National Land Commission for land acquisition required for constructing the new realigned Nithi Bridge,” Ngala said.
He added that the new bridge will span approximately 880 metres in length and stand about 100 metres tall, positioning it as one of the most substantial infrastructure initiatives in the area.
According to Ngala, the design will completely eliminate the hazardous curves and steep slope connected with the existing bridge, which has, over time, been associated with numerous fatal accidents involving buses, trucks, and private vehicles.
“The realignment essentially means we are establishing a safer route and securing land that will enable us to perform safe construction and completely eliminate the curves that have claimed lives for many years,” he stated.
He further confirmed that the contractor is already present at the location, with preliminary work underway before full operations begin.
NLC Director of Valuation and Taxation Joel Ombati explained that the awareness campaign aimed to inform the public and ensure involvement in the mandatory land acquisition process.
He stressed that the project serves the public good, especially in enhancing road safety along the congested corridor.
“We are here to inform and enable community participation regarding their land acquisition to ensure success in bridge and related facility construction,” he said.
Ombati revealed that 81 parcels of land have been marked for compensation, noting that ownership verification will occur before payments are made to guarantee that only legitimate landowners receive compensation.
He warned residents against starting new construction or modifying existing structures after gazettement, noting that such actions might cause disputes during valuation.
He also encouraged affected residents to allow the process to fully conclude and await compensation via bank transfers.
National Land Commission Senior Valuer Elizabeth Makau guaranteed residents that the valuation process would be conducted transparently and equitably.
She stated that officials will begin site visits to evaluate affected properties and determine compensation based on current developments and land values.
“All individuals will be compensated fairly based on what they possess. There will be transparency to ensure all affected parties are satisfied and to establish a positive working relationship that will allow the project to advance without issues,” she said.
County Commissioner David Gitonga called on residents to collaborate with government agencies to ensure smooth project implementation.
He observed that some families have not yet completed succession and land ownership documentation, which could postpone compensation if not resolved.
“We have reached an understanding with the appropriate agencies that we will jointly assist families in obtaining ownership documents through legal means so they can receive their compensation,” he said.
Residents welcomed the proposed project, expressing hope that it would finally put an end to years of fatal accidents at the accident-prone location.
Jane Gitari, a local resident, stated that the new bridge has restored optimism among families who have lost relatives on that stretch, calling for timely completion and fair compensation for affected landowners.