Ngoliba residents demand urgent repairs to Sh25 million bridge

By Lawrence Ongaro

Residents of Ngoliba and Mavoloni have urged the government to urgently repair the main bridge that supports their daily economic activities.

The bridge was constructed in 2022 at a cost of Sh25 million.

However, on Monday, August 3, 2026, residents of Ngoliba staged demonstrations after reports emerged that the bridge was to be dismantled and relocated elsewhere.

The residents said the bridge is vital to their livelihoods because it facilitates trade between Kiambu and Murang’a counties.

Trucks transporting building stones, sand, as well as boda boda operators, have greatly benefited from the bridge. Farmers who transport and sell their produce have also found it easier to access markets through the crossing.

The government has, however, assured residents that there is no cause for alarm, saying plans to repair the bridge are already underway.

Bridge transformed local economy

Former Thika MP Patrick “Jungle” Wainaina, who is preparing to contest the seat again in the 2027 General Election, said he was among those who spearheaded the proposal to construct the bridge in 2018.

“Previously, many children and residents from Kiambu and Murang’a relied on boats to cross the river. At one point, six schoolchildren drowned while being ferried across on their way to school,” said Wainaina.

He noted that after the bridge was completed, the situation improved significantly, with businesses, students and other daily activities continuing without fear or disruption.

The residents have appealed to the government to expedite repairs to the bridge as quickly as possible to ease the anxiety currently being experienced in the area.

Wainaina said that before the bridge was built, residents were forced to travel about 20 kilometres between Kiambu and Murang’a to conduct their business.

“We do not want to see such a situation return. We want the bridge repaired as soon as possible,” he said.

Wainaina added that he would closely monitor the situation to ensure that the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) repairs the bridge without delay so that businesses can continue operating normally before any major disaster, such as the bridge collapsing, occurs.