2016 - 2017
KDI has partnered with the Jeffrey Cook Charitable Trust, Engineers Without Borders UK, and the Arup Cause to construct two pedestrian bridges over the Ngong River, one of the three main river systems that run through Kibera. The project aims to showcase sustainable and replicable design strategies while activating public spaces and opening Kibera to the wider city.
The first bridge was completed at KPSP07 in April 2016. The bridge design was approved by the Nairobi City County Department of Public Works structural engineer's office, representing a huge great step forward in formalizing access infrastructure and closing the gap between the formal and informal city. The bridge was constructed by local contractors (jua kali) from Kibera with supervision from Engineers Without Borders UK structural engineer Ian Ashcroft.
Since opening, the bridge has served as a key link between Kibera and Langata and a safe route when lower, flood-prone bridges become unsafe. KDI and Arup are currently in the design and planning phase for a second bridge at KPSP05.