- China Wu Yi Company Limited has been awarded a Sh7.5 billion contract to realign and reconstruct the notorious Nithi Bridge in Tharaka Nithi County.
- The current section of the Makutano–Embu–Meru (A9) highway is notorious for its steep gradients and sharp curves, which have caused dozens of fatal accidents and left many others injured.
- Once completed, the redesigned section is expected to significantly enhance safety and traffic flow along the busy Nairobi-Meru corridor.
China Wu Yi Company Limited has been awarded a Sh7.5 billion contract to realign and reconstruct the notorious Nithi Bridge in Tharaka Nithi County.
The move brings relief to motorists and residents who have endured years of tragedy at one of Kenya’s deadliest road black spots. The current section of the Makutano–Embu–Meru (A9) highway is notorious for its steep gradients and sharp curves, which have caused dozens of fatal accidents and left many others injured. The dangerous descent into the valley has earned it the nickname “Killer Bridge.”
The project will cover a 2.7-kilometre stretch and includes construction of a modern 880-metre bridge with improved road geometry to eliminate hazardous bends. Once completed, the redesigned section is expected to significantly enhance safety and traffic flow along the busy Nairobi-Meru corridor.
The contract was awarded by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA). This is through a competitive bidding process after the tender was advertised in 2025. China Wu YI, the overseas arm of Fujian Construction Engineering Group, has previously worked on major Kenyan projects, including the Thika Superhighway.
Chinese firms continue to dominate large-scale road and bridge projects in Kenya. This is thanks to their capacity to deliver complex infrastructure efficiently.
However, few have raised concerns. Notably such as limited skills transfer to local contractors, reduced opportunities for Kenyan firms, as well as the country’s growing debt burden from such projects.
