Kindiki: Nithi Bridge to span nearly 3km, making it Kenya’s second-longest after Dongo Kundu

Kindiki said funds have been allocated for the project and a contractor identified, adding that the bridge will move forward despite concerns raised through demonstrations in recent weeks.

“We have allocated funds for Nithi Bridge and identified a contractor. The project was delayed due to issues with the National Land Commission and compensation, but now everything is in place and construction will proceed,” he said.

The Deputy President said he rejected an earlier design proposal, arguing it would not have addressed the safety risks along the section.

“We were not satisfied with the earlier design. I personally rejected it because it would not have solved the problem due to dangerous corners and slopes. That is why it took time,” he said.

Kindiki said the Nithi Bridge has been a long-standing issue, noting that the problem dates back decades.

“Nithi Bridge has been a problem since 1985. We appealed to President Moi, but nothing was done. During President Kibaki’s time, and even under President Uhuru, the bridge was still not completed,” he said.

He insisted the bridge would not be built because of protests, but because the government now has the capacity to deliver it.

“The Nithi Bridge will not be built because of demonstrations, it will be built because it must be done and we now have the ability to do it,” he said.

Kindiki described the demonstrations as “misplaced,” saying the government is already in motion on the project.

“Demonstrations at this time are misplaced. When I had no power, protests might have made sense, but now I am in a position to act,” he said.

“I am the one in charge of delivering this project. Demonstrating now is like protesting against yourselves. I will ensure the Nithi bridge is built because I have the power and responsibility to do so,” he added.

The Deputy President said the project is now mainly awaiting compensation processing through the NLC, estimating that about Ksh200 million will be required to compensate affected land owners, and appealed for early access to speed up the process.

“We are now remaining with the National Land Commission compensation process, which is taking longer than expected. About Ksh200 million is required to compensate those affected, and we are appealing for early access to speed things up, since only a small portion of land is involved,” he said.

Kindiki also said he was ready to commence construction of what he described as the country’s second-longest bridge.

“I am ready, I have been ready since yesterday to begin construction of what will be the second longest and largest bridge in Kenya,” he said.