KITUI, Kenya- The Enziu Bridge in Kitui is 91.3 per cent complete, according to the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), as construction advances on a crossing where a flooded-river disaster killed 32 people.
President William Ruto inspected the bridge and approach roads on Sunday. KeRRA said design work was 100 per cent complete, while physical construction had reached 91.3 per cent.
The bridge will connect communities in Mwingi Central and Mwingi East.
KeRRA said the completed crossing is expected to make travel safer and more reliable, support local businesses and allow emergency services to reach residents more easily, especially during heavy rain.
The progress update is significant for residents who have faced dangerous river crossings for years.
A low crossing at Enziu can become hazardous when the river floods, disrupting movement and putting travellers at risk.
A crossing marked by tragedy
On December 4, 2021, a bus carrying members of a church choir and other passengers was swept into the flooded Enziu River as it attempted to cross.
The tragedy killed 32 people, according to Kenya News Agency reports. Earlier reports initially gave a lower toll as rescue teams searched the river.
Construction on a replacement bridge began after the disaster but later stalled. Work resumed in 2025 following renewed government intervention.
Once complete, the bridge is expected to provide a permanent crossing for people travelling between the two Mwingi constituencies.
It is also intended to keep access routes open when heavy rain makes the river dangerous.
