The government is looking to partner with industry players on a major regional fibre optic infrastructure project that will connect northeastern Kenya with Somalia and Ethiopia. Through the ICT Authority, the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy has launched consultations with industry players for the fibre optic infrastructure project, under the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP).
The World Bank–funded program forms part of a broader effort to expand digital access and strengthen economic integration across the Horn of Africa, in turn transforming trade and digital connectivity in the region.
At the heart of the plan is a new 740-kilometre fibre optic backbone running from Isiolo to Mandera, both counties bordering Ethiopia and Somalia.
The project also features 200 kilometres of metro and last-mile fibre cables to connect schools, hospitals, markets, and government offices to high-speed internet.
To prepare for procurement, the ICT Authority in July announced that it is conducting an Early Market Engagement (EME) to gather feedback from contractors, technology providers, power solution companies, and other ICT stakeholders.
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ICT Authority to partner with industry players
While the engagement is non-binding, it will help shape procurement strategies, technical standards, and delivery models for the ambitious regional project.
“This engagement offers stakeholders a critical opportunity to shape Kenya’s digital future and to build infrastructure that strengthens regional ties,” said Stanley Kamanguya, former CEO of the ICT Authority.
The planned procurement will include:
- Installation of backbone fibre optic infrastructure along the Isiolo–Mandera corridor
- Cross-border links connecting to Ethiopia and Somalia
- Deployment of metro and last-mile fibre optic networks
- Public Wi-Fi rollout in schools, markets, hospitals, and other public institutions
- Supply and installation of key networking equipment such as routers, switches, and UPS systems
- Civil works and solar-powered backup systems to ensure network resilience
The project targets underserved counties including Isiolo, Meru, Wajir, Garissa, and Mandera, aiming to promote economic growth, improve public service delivery, and enable cross-border digital trade.
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Other details of HoAGDP
It builds on the foundation laid by the Eastern Africa Regional Transport, Trade and Development Facilitation Project (EARTTDFP), which extended fibre connectivity from Eldoret to the South Sudan border via Turkana, while also connecting more than 190 access sites including schools and hospitals.
ICT and Digital Economy Principal Secretary John Tanui praised the World Bank’s continued support, describing both HoAGDP and EARTTDFP as “key pillars of the country’s long-term infrastructure and digital integration strategy.”
Interested firms are required to submit their expressions of interest by Wednesday, July 16, 2025. Submissions should be emailed to: [email protected] or [email protected] with the subject line: “Expression of Interest – Early Market Engagement: Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project.”
In addition, participants are encouraged to register online at https://icta.go.ke/events.
After registration, they will receive a workshop brief and further participation instructions.
The EME sessions will be held in a hybrid format, allowing both in-person attendance in Nairobi and virtual participation, with exact dates and venues to be announced soon.
Interested parties are advised to submit a brief company profile, areas of specialization, relevant local or international experience, and any preliminary comments on the scope or implementation of the project.
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