The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has awarded a KSh7.499 billion contract to China Wu Yi Company Limited to build a new 880‑metre bridge and realign 2.7 km of the Makutano–Embu–Meru (A9) highway in Tharaka‑Nithi County.

The replacement bridge will use a prestressed concrete box‑girder design, comprising 22 spans of roughly 40 metres each, supported by pile foundations and piers that rise up to 100 metres above the valley floor.

The new alignment eliminates the existing 90‑metre radius curve and steep grades of 10‑24 percent, providing longer sight distances and smoother approaches for motorists.

Funding comes from the Government of Kenya’s development budget and the works are being delivered on an EPC/turnkey basis, with KeNHA and the National Land Commission handling land acquisition and compensation for affected owners.

Land acquisition began in May 2026, reaching a final‑inquiry stage by August 2026, allowing early‑entry works such as earthworks and retaining structures to start while compensation calculations are finalised.

Key construction milestones include completing foundation works and erecting the tall piers, followed by superstructure installation, approach‑road completion and safety testing before the bridge opens to traffic, with an expected completion date in August 2029.

The bridge deck will be about 13 metres wide, featuring a 7‑metre carriageway, 2‑metre footpaths on each side and concrete crash barriers to improve vehicle flow and pedestrian safety.

KeNHA expects the upgraded corridor to enhance reliability for passenger, freight and agricultural transport between Embu, Meru and surrounding counties, reducing accident risk on the previously hazardous section.

The project is also projected to generate local employment and stimulate demand for construction materials, transport services and ancillary support industries during its build phase.