New system to improve inspection and maintenance of bridges across Kenya
JOSEPH NG’ANG’A-KNA
The Ministry of Roads and Transport has launched the Bridge Management System (BMS) Manuals, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the inspection, maintenance, and management of bridge infrastructure across Kenya.
Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said the new framework will enhance bridge safety, improve maintenance planning, and extend the lifespan of critical transport infrastructure.
He noted that Kenya’s road network spans more than 240,000 kilometres across national and county roads, with over 5,100 box culverts supporting connectivity along major transport corridors.
“However, ageing infrastructure, inadequate inspection coverage, fragmented records, limited maintenance resources, and increasing climate-related risks have exposed bridge assets to deterioration and structural vulnerability,” the CS said.
In a speech read on his behalf by Principal Secretary for Roads Eng. Joseph Mbugua in Nairobi, Chirchir said the launch marks a major milestone in modernising Kenya’s bridge asset management through the adoption of a standardised, data-driven, and preventive approach to inspection, maintenance, and preservation.
“The eight manuals provide comprehensive guidance for road agencies to safeguard critical infrastructure, enhance public safety, optimize resource utilization, improve value for money and strengthen climate resilience,” said Chirchir.
He highlighted that Kenya has more than 3,100 bridges that support connectivity, trade and economic growth.
Developed with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the manuals establish standardized procedures for bridge inspection, condition assessment, maintenance planning and repair interventions, enabling road agencies to prioritize investments and improve the resilience of bridge assets.
On his part, the Principal Secretary commended the Government of Japan and JICA for their continued technical support, noting that the partnership has strengthened institutional capacity and advanced sustainable bridge asset management in Kenya.
The bridge management system enables systematic collection of inspection data, standardized condition ratings and objective prioritization of maintenance interventions allowing road agencies to allocate resources efficiently, improve safety outcomes and maximize value for public investment.
The launch underscores the Government’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure development under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), ensuring that Kenya’s bridge network continues to support economic growth and serve present and future generations.