Although rivers are undoubtedly important in many communities, sometimes this is not the case. Most rivers in Kenya are used for beneficial farming activities. However, one river has manifested differently. Flowing through central Kenya, the Nithi River has made grim headlines as one of the most lethal waterway in the country.
Since its construction in the 1980s along the Meru-Nairobi highway, the Nithi Bridge has claimed more than 150 people, especially by plunging them deep into the waters below.
According to drivers who are familiar with the river, the bridge is characterised by an alternation of steep ascent and steep descent that confuses drivers. Here, vehicles can easily veer off the structure, plunging deep down the river’s valley. Because of the height and the impact, such a plunge leads to death, if not severe injuries.
In August 2000, a fatal accident occurred on this river when a passenger lost control and flew over the bridge, plunging deep down, claiming around 45 lives.
This was followed by another accident in July 2022, where the bus descended 40 meters into the river valley with an impact so lethal that it snatched another 34 lives.
The most recent deaths were reported in August 2024, when a pick-up truck collided head-on with a van at the bridge. Although the vehicles did not plunge down into the river below, 12 people lost their lives.
Besides its poor design, local residents have complained that the bridge does not have enough safety features. Furthermore, the Governor of Tharaka Nithi, Muthomi Njuki, says that something needs to be done urgently.
“Even though we lack adequate resources, we plan to give this issue priority since there is no cost to human life. The essence here is saving human lives,” Njuki declared.
On the other hand, having noted the rampant deaths occurring in this river, the national government, through the relevant ministry, points to structural flaws and the need for changes in design:
“We need to change the design of the bridge. This could be done by straightening the road from the bridge all the way to Meru” Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
