Ministry Launches Bridge Management System Manuals to Strengthen Bridge Safety and Maintenance
Ministry Launches Bridge Management System Manuals to Strengthen Bridge Safety and Maintenance
JKIA, Nairobi, 30 June 2026 – The Ministry of Roads and Transport has launched the Bridge Management System (BMS) Manuals, establishing a national framework for the inspection, maintenance and management of bridge infrastructure across Kenya.
The launch marks a significant milestone in strengthening bridge asset management, enhancing safety and promoting the long-term sustainability of the country’s transport infrastructure.
The official launch ceremony was presided over by the Principal Secretary for Roads, Eng. Joseph Mbugua, on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Hon. Davis Chirchir. The event brought together representatives from the Government of Japan, JICA, road agencies, regulatory institutions and other stakeholders in the infrastructure sector.
In a speech delivered on his behalf, the Cabinet Secretary described the initiative as a transformative step that shifts bridge management from reactive repairs to preventive, data-driven and life-cycle-based maintenance.
He noted that bridges are critical national assets whose failure can disrupt transport services, compromise public safety and result in significant economic losses.
Kenya’s road network spans more than 240,000 kilometres and includes over 3,100 bridges and 5,100 box culverts. However, ageing infrastructure, inadequate inspections, fragmented records and increasing climate-related risks have exposed many bridge assets to deterioration.
The manuals include the Bridge Maintenance Management Guideline, the Inspection Manual for Bridges and Bridge Inspection Handbook, the Bridge Repair Manual, the Standard Specifications for Bridge Repair in Kenya and the Cost Estimation Manual for Bridge Repair Works.
The Bridge Management System will enable road agencies to systematically collect inspection data, prioritize maintenance interventions and allocate resources more efficiently, ultimately improving safety and maximizing the value of public investment.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that the initiative aligns with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, the Fourth Medium Term Plan and the Ministry of Roads and Transport Strategic Plan 2023–2027.
He called upon road agencies and county governments to adopt the manuals and integrate the Bridge Management System into their routine operations.
The Principal Secretary expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Japan and JICA for their continued partnership and technical support, noting that the collaboration has strengthened institutional capacity and laid a firm foundation for sustainable bridge management in Kenya.
The launch of the BMS Manuals underscores the Ministry’s commitment to preserving critical transport infrastructure through planned maintenance, evidence-based decision-making and effective asset management to ensure safe, reliable and resilient bridge infrastructure for future generations.