KeNHA invites bids for Sh7billion Nithi Bridge Project
Move came just hours after Ruto met leaders from Tharaka Nithi at State House, Nairobi, where he assured residents that the long-delayed bridge upgrade would commence immediately
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has formally invited bids for the long-awaited reconstruction and realignment of the Nithi Bridge, a day after President William Ruto pledged to fast-track the project.
In a public notice issued on August 5, KeNHA announced that tender documents for the project along the busy Makutano–Embu–Meru (A9) road will be available on the government’s electronic procurement portal (e-GP) beginning August 11.
Also included in the notice is the planned rehabilitation of the Thika–Magumu (B20) road, which is expected to improve regional connectivity and ease transport in Central Kenya.
“All interested suppliers, contractors, consultants and service providers are required to register on the electronic government procurement (e-GP) system via https://egpkenya.go.ke and bid for the tenders,” KeNHA said in the public notice.
The announcement came just hours after President Ruto met leaders from Tharaka Nithi at State House, Nairobi, where he assured residents that the long-delayed bridge upgrade would commence immediately.
He said the project design had been completed and urged swift action, calling the Nithi Bridge one of Kenya’s most dangerous blackspots.
“Fixing the Nithi blackspot is not just about infrastructure, it is about saving lives,” the President said.
Constructed in the 1980s, the Nithi Bridge has gained notoriety for its sharp bends, steep slope, and limited visibility.
These features have contributed to numerous fatal accidents.
The realignment is expected to straighten the road, enhance visibility, and introduce new safety measures aimed at preventing further tragedies.
The project will cost an estimated Sh7 billion.
The government secured funding in April through a bilateral deal with China, following President Ruto’s state visit to Beijing.
The Nithi tender is part of KeNHA’s wider 2025/2026 procurement rollout, which is being conducted entirely through the e-GP platform as part of the government’s push for transparency and efficiency in public procurement.
KeNHA has urged all eligible contractors and service providers to register on the portal and take advantage of upcoming opportunities.
For years, residents in Mt Kenya East have demanded action over the hazardous bridge.
Local leaders and road safety advocates say the project will save lives and improve economic activity by easing movement along one of the region’s busiest corridors.
With the tender process now underway, public attention shifts to the speed and quality of implementation.
For the communities that rely on this route daily, the real test will be whether the project delivers lasting change and safety.
