Preparations under way at new Nithi Bridge site in Kenya, where China Wu Yi holds KSh 7.5 billion contract

Preparations are under way at the site of the new Nithi Bridge in Tharaka Nithi County, where the site for contractors and engineers has been completed and a concrete batching plant is being prepared, the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) reported on 5 October 2026.

Lewis Mureithi, a mason on the project, said, as quoted by KBC: "So far, we have completed the site where our contractors and engineers will settle. We are now preparing the batching plant where we will mix concrete and supply it for the pillars." He said preparations had also begun at the locations where the bridge pillars will be built.

Resident Dominic Njagi said, as quoted by KBC: "People had been saying that the bridge would not be built, but now we can see the work on the ground." KBC described the work as progress on President William Ruto's promise to deliver a new Nithi Bridge.

Business Daily reported on 5 May 2026 that China Wu Yi Company Limited, which it described as an overseas construction arm of Fujian Construction Engineering Group, won the KSh 7.5 billion contract to realign the road and build the bridge. The paper said the company is expected to build the bridge over three years, to 7 August 2029.

According to Business Daily, the works cover a 2.7-kilometre realignment between Marima and Mitheru shopping centres and an 880-metre bridge with support pillars up to 100 metres high. The project's cost equals half that of the 84-kilometre Kenol–Marua dual carriageway.

The road at the existing bridge has a steep descent and several sharp corners. Business Daily reported dozens of crashes and more than 100 lives lost there in recent years.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said on 25 February 2026, as quoted by Business Daily: "We now have the funds and the public has already been engaged for their input. Soon, I will bring the contractor to start construction."

On 11 September, Capital FM reported that Kindiki said construction could not proceed until landowners affected by the project were compensated through the National Land Commission.