By Faith Munanie
Since its commissioning in 1985, the Nithi Bridge has remained a notorious black spot, haunting travelers along the Meru-Embu Highway.
Located in Tharaka Nithi County along the Meru-Embu Road in eastern Kenya, the Nithi Bridge has gained a grim reputation over the past 40 years as a "killer bridge." Constructed in 1983, the 50-meter-long bridge sits nearly three kilometers down a steep descent from Meru County, between Marima and Mitheru markets in Maara Constituency.
Over the years, the bridge has witnessed numerous deadly crashes, claiming hundreds of lives and instilling fear among travelers. Many express anxiety whenever they approach this infamous black spot, which casts a shadow over Kenya's road safety efforts.
History of Devastating Accidents at Nithi Bridge
- 1995: A matatu plunged into the river 40 feet below, killing 16 people, including 12 members of one family.
- 1998: A Stagecoach Kenya bus, carrying more than 100 passengers, plunged into the river, killing 56 on the spot.
- May 8, 1999: A bus collided with a matatu, killing 16 passengers.
- August 25, 2000: A passenger bus plunged into the Nithi River, resulting in the deaths of 45 people and injuring at least 27 others.
- May 26, 2015: A Sunbird Company bus lost control and plunged into the bridge, killing three people on the spot.
- April 2018: A Joy Kenya Company bus overturned near the bridge, resulting in two deaths and injuries to 21 others. The driver lost control while trying to avoid plunging into the river due to brake failure.
- January 2019: A lorry collided with a 14-seater matatu, leading to four deaths and 11 injuries.
- February 2, 2021: A collision occurred between a truck and a PSV matatu, resulting in five fatalities and one survivor. The truck reportedly had faulty brakes.
- July 24, 2022: A Modern Coast bus carrying 45 passengers fell into the river, claiming 33 lives, with several others injured. Witnesses reported that the bus was speeding and likely experienced brake failure.
- March 15, 2024: Thirty-eight students and 10 teachers narrowly escaped after a school bus from Itoleka Girls' Secondary School experienced brake failure near the bridge.
- August 31, 2024: Twelve people were killed in a gruesome accident involving a van and a pickup truck. The deceased included eight women, two men, and two children.
Causes of Fatalities at Nithi Bridge
First constructed in the early 1980s, the Nithi Bridge has a tragic history. Experts cite its design as a significant factor in the high fatality rate. The bridge lies along an almost three-kilometer steep descent from Meru County, with sharp curves, random bumps, and hazardous terrain that make it treacherous even for careful drivers.
The bridge’s lack of adequate safety measures, including robust guardrails, clear road markings, and sufficient signage, adds to the risk, leaving drivers vulnerable. Human error, such as recklessness, speeding, and unfamiliarity with the road, also contributes to many accidents. The bridge's narrow width complicates safe passage, particularly when one driver makes an error.
Proposed Redesign
Built in 1983, the bridge is over 40 years old, prompting public calls for its remodeling in the interest of safety. Proposals, including erecting a new bridge or reshaping the existing one, are under consideration between the Tharaka Nithi County government and the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA). Redesign efforts may involve relocating the road to a safer site and employing modern engineering solutions to manage the road’s gradient as it passes over the river.
Government Criticism Over Unfulfilled Promises
Despite the rising number of accidents, government efforts toward reconstruction have lagged. Leaders from Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties have repeatedly called for a road redesign to reduce accidents, but progress remains slow.
During President William Ruto’s administration, former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi appealed for swift action at an event attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Gachagua mentioned that he had reached out to President Ruto, who assured him that redesign plans were nearly ready. The President vowed in 2022 to address the bridge’s design within his first 180 days in office, following a tragic accident that killed 36 people in July 2022. In March 2023, President Ruto announced funding allocation for the bridge’s redesign.
Nearly three years into his term, however, the promise remains unfulfilled, with no significant upgrades. On September 1, 2024, Gachagua reported that the Ministry of Transport was in the final stages of redesigning the road for a new bridge.
The delay has incited anger among Tharaka Nithi residents, some of whom have threatened to close the road, citing frustrations over the government's unmet promises. Motorists have also called for renovations, noting that the bridge has been the site of six accidents since early 2024. The public continues to urge the government to expedite the re-engineering of the Nithi Bridge to prevent further loss of life at this notorious black spot.
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