Major Bridges in Kenya

Kenya is home to some of the most significant bridges in East Africa, reflecting the country’s commitment to infrastructure development. These bridges facilitate trade, transportation, and connectivity across major rivers, creeks, and regions. Below is a detailed guide to the major bridges in Kenya, highlighting their spans, lengths, types, and locations.

1. Mombasa Gate Bridge (Under Construction)

• Span: 660 m (2,170 ft)
• Length: 1,400 m (4,600 ft)
• Type: Cable-stayed with a steel box girder deck
• Carries: A14 Malindi–Bagamoyo Highway
• Crosses: Kilindini Harbour
• Opened: Projected for 2028
• Location: Likoni–Mombasa Island (4°04′17.5″S 39°39′17.3″E)
• County: Kwale, Mombasa
• Significance: The Mombasa Gate Bridge is expected to ease congestion at the Likoni Ferry, providing a seamless connection between Likoni and Mombasa Island.

2. Nyali Bridge

• Span: 150 m (490 ft)
• Length: 391 m (1,283 ft)
• Type: Box girder, prestressed concrete
• Carries: B8 Mombasa–Garissa Road
• Crosses: Tudor Creek
• Opened: 1980
• Location: Mombasa–Mombasa Island (4°02′34.1″S 39°40′20.9″E)
• County: Mombasa
• Significance: A critical link connecting Mombasa Island to the mainland, facilitating trade and daily commutes.

3. Mtwapa Bridge

• Span: 112 m (367 ft)
• Length: 192 m (630 ft)
• Type: Box girder, prestressed concrete
• Carries: B8 Mombasa–Garissa Road
• Crosses: Mtwapa Creek
• Opened: 1980
• Location: Mtwapa–Mombasa (3°57′19.0″S 39°44′29.7″E)
• County: Kilifi, Mombasa
• Significance: Facilitates movement between Kilifi and Mombasa, enhancing coastal connectivity.

4. Kilifi Bridge

• Length: 420 m (1,380 ft)
• Type: Box girder, prestressed concrete
• Carries: B8 Mombasa–Garissa Road
• Crosses: Voi River
• Opened: 1991
• Location: Kilifi–Mnarani (3°38′10.6″S 39°50′54.5″E)
• County: Kilifi
• Significance: A vital bridge for transport and commerce along the coastal route.

5. Nairobi National Park Super Major Bridge

• Length: 6,580 m (21,590 ft)
• Type: Box girder, prestressed concrete
• Carries: Nairobi–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR)
• Crosses: Nairobi National Park
• Opened: 2019
• Location: Nairobi (1°22′14.3″S 36°51′33.7″E)
• County: Nairobi City
• Significance: One of Kenya’s longest bridges, ensuring minimal disruption to wildlife in Nairobi National Park while supporting the SGR.

6. Chora Super Major Bridge

• Length: 3,000 m (9,800 ft)
• Type: Box girder, prestressed concrete
• Carries: Nairobi–Malaba SGR
• Opened: 2019
• Location: Ongata Rongai (1°24′09.6″S 36°43′10.3″E)
• County: Kajiado
• Significance: Supports railway transport with minimal environmental impact in the Ongata Rongai region.

7. Athi River Super Bridge

• Length: 2,785 m (9,137 ft)
• Type: Box girder, prestressed concrete
• Carries: Mombasa–Nairobi SGR
• Crosses: Mbagathi River
• Opened: 2017
• Location: Athi River (1°26′36.6″S 36°58′53.8″E)
• County: Machakos
• Significance: A critical link for the SGR, boosting freight and passenger rail efficiency.

8. Tsavo Super Bridge

• Length: 1,987 m (6,519 ft)
• Type: Box girder, prestressed concrete
• Carries: Mombasa–Nairobi SGR
• Crosses: Tsavo River
• Opened: 2017
• Location: Tsavo (2°59′27.2″S 38°27′47.6″E)
• County: Makueni, Taita-Taveta
• Significance: Enhances rail connectivity through Tsavo National Park while reducing environmental disruptions.

9. Mteza Bridge

• Length: 1,660 m (5,450 ft)
• Type: AASHTO girder, post-tensioned concrete
• Carries: Mwache Junction–Tsunza–Mteza Section
• Crosses: Mteza Creek
• Opened: 2024
• Location: Mteza (4°4′23″S 39°35′15″E)
• County: Kwale
• Significance: Part of the Mombasa Port expansion project, facilitating smooth transportation across Mteza Creek.

The Importance of Kenya’s Bridges

Kenya’s bridges are vital for:

1. Transport and Trade: They connect major towns, ports, and regions, supporting commerce and mobility.
2. Infrastructure Development: Bridges like the SGR super bridges symbolize Kenya’s strides in modern infrastructure.
3. Tourism: Iconic bridges like Kilifi Bridge and Nairobi National Park Super Major Bridge attract visitors and enhance accessibility.

Kenya’s bridges represent engineering excellence and a commitment to national development, connecting communities while preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the regions they serve.