Principal Secretary for Transport, Eng. Joseph Mbugua, has announced that the government is in the process of designing a pedestrian walkway at the precarious Riverside Bridge, located at the border of Nyandarua and Laikipia Counties.
Speaking during a visit to the bridge—which serves the densely populated Igwamiti and Gatimu Wards in Laikipia West, as well as Ol Jororok in Nyandarua—the PS acknowledged the long-standing challenges faced by both pedestrians and motorists. He noted that users of the bridge are often forced to scramble for space while attempting to avoid collisions, creating a hazardous situation for all road users.
Eng. Mbugua assured residents that the government has committed to constructing a footbridge before the end of this year. This decision follows mounting public pressure and emotional pleas from parents and school-going children, urging the government to redesign the bridge to include a safer pedestrian pathway.
Local residents recounted harrowing experiences of risking their lives while crossing the bridge. Some shared stories of losing loved ones to traffic accidents, while others emphasized the frequent incidents that have occurred due to the lack of a designated walkway.
The PS emphasized that once completed, the pedestrian footpath will significantly reduce accidents and save lives by separating foot traffic from motor vehicles. It is expected to bring long-overdue relief to the community and enhance road safety in the region.
This initiative forms part of the government’s broader commitment to improving infrastructure and ensuring the safety of all road users across the country.
