Nithi Bridge project nears construction as compensation process advances

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The Sh7 billion Nithi Bridge project in Tharaka Nithi County has moved closer to construction after the National Land Commission (NLC) began the final inquiry into land acquisition for the proposed new alignment.

NLC Commissioner Vincent Kigen said valuation of properties affected by the project had been completed, with the commission now undertaking the final computation of compensation before payments are made to landowners.

Kigen said the computation process would take about three weeks, after which compensation would be processed based on valuations conducted on the ground.

“We are here for the final inquiry of the process of land acquisition that Nithi Bridge will occupy. This is an exercise that has been going on, and we are here to ensure what has been done is done to the best standards,” Kigen said.

He said about 120 people had been identified as affected by the project.

The final inquiry involved NLC officials visiting affected properties to verify ownership and other details before completing the compensation process, a key step towards clearing the way for construction.

The exercise is expected to provide an opportunity for affected landowners to confirm details of their properties and ensure that the compensation process is based on accurate information.

Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner David Gitonga said the process had reached its final stages, expressing optimism that the long-awaited project would soon take off.

“We have reached our final stages to ensure the project kicks off,” Gitonga said, thanking residents for their cooperation throughout the land acquisition process.

He urged affected residents to use the compensation money wisely once they receive it, saying the funds should help them relocate and establish themselves elsewhere without unnecessary financial difficulties.

Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) Engineer Michael Ngala said the authority was keen to ensure the project was implemented to address safety challenges that have made the existing Nithi Bridge section dangerous for motorists and passengers.

Ngala said the new alignment would provide a safer route and eliminate difficult sections associated with the existing road, reducing the risk of accidents and saving lives.

He said an early-entry arrangement would allow works to progress as the remaining land acquisition and compensation processes were completed.

“The early entry is in place, and the bridge is going to start. This will save many lives because the safety problems at the existing section will be dealt with,” Ngala said.

The proposed project will comprise an approximately 880-meter bridge and about 2.7 kilometers of bridge and approach roads, providing a new alignment designed to improve safety and ease movement along the busy Makutano-Embu-Meru road.

The existing Nithi section is characterised by steep terrain, sharp bends, and difficult approaches, making it a major safety concern for motorists using the route.

The new alignment is expected to provide a more direct and safer crossing, reducing risks posed by the existing road configuration while improving connectivity between the region’s major towns and commercial centers.

The government has allocated approximately Sh7 billion for the project, with completion of land acquisition and compensation expected to pave the way for full implementation.

For affected landowners, completion of the final inquiry and valuation process brings them closer to receiving compensation and relocating to allow the long-awaited project to proceed.

By Dickson Mwiti and Christine Ngitori

Reporting originally appeared via Kenya News Agency. Read the full source for additional context.