The Nithi Bridge in Tharaka Nithi County has earned a grim reputation as a "killer bridge" due to the numerous fatal accidents that have occurred there over the years. Located along the Embu-Meru road in eastern Kenya, it is considered one of the most dangerous blackspots in the country.
On the last day of August, twelve people tragically lost their lives at the bridge when the van they were traveling in collided with a pick-up truck transporting miraa to Nairobi. According to police reports, all the passengers in the van died, while those in the pick-up sustained serious injuries.
Originally built in the early 1980s, the Nithi Bridge has a long and tragic history. It serves as a stark reminder of how a poorly designed road can claim the lives of countless road users if not addressed. The steep decline leading to the bridge, combined with sharp curves and inadequate safety measures, makes it a treacherous route that has become synonymous with road carnage. It is not a journey for the faint of heart.
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**A Dark History at Nithi Bridge**
Over the years, the Nithi Bridge has claimed hundreds of lives in motor vehicle accidents. One of Kenya's most horrific accidents occurred there in 2000 when a bus plunged into the waters below, killing over 45 people. Since then, the bridge has been a notorious blackspot, frequently making headlines due to numerous fatalities and injuries.
In April 2018, a bus overturned near the bridge due to brake failure, resulting in two deaths and injuries to over 20 passengers. In January 2019, a head-on collision between a lorry and a 14-seat public van led to four deaths and 11 injuries. In February 2021, another 14-seat van collided with a truck, killing five people on the spot and leaving others injured.
In July 2022, a bus carrying 45 passengers veered off the guard rails, resulting in 33 deaths, with the remaining passengers suffering severe injuries. In April 2024, four people died when a Nairobi-bound bus rolled at the notorious Nithi Bridge, leaving over eight others seriously injured.
The most recent accident on August 31, 2024, involved a head-on collision between a 14-seat public van and a miraa pick-up, leading to 12 deaths and several injuries.
Despite the growing number of accidents and fatalities, the Nithi Bridge remains a dangerous blackspot, urgently requiring intervention. Leaders from Meru have repeatedly called for a redesign of the road to reduce the occurrence of accidents.
On Sunday, former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi urged for the bridge's speedy redesign and reconstruction during an event attended by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Gachagua assured the public that he had spoken to President William Ruto, who confirmed that the redesign plans for the Nithi Bridge were nearly complete and would be made available soon. He committed to ensuring the implementation of these changes, fulfilling a promise made to the people of Meru.
