New Fibre Project Set to Link Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia – Market Consultations Underway

The Government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Information, Communications, and The Digital Economy , and the ICT Authority,  is implementing the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP), funded by the World Bank . The Government plans to install a high-capacity fiber optic cable along the Isiolo–Mandera corridor to enhance digital connectivity and interconnect to Ethiopia and Somalia. As part of the preparatory process for upcoming procurements, the ICT Authority is undertaking an Early Market Engagement (EME) to consult and interact with market players in the ICT infrastructure and connectivity sector.

This notice is issued to inform and invite suppliers, contractors, service providers, and industry stakeholders to participate in this non-binding engagement process. The initiative marks a key step toward operationalising regional digital integration and expanding access to underserved areas in northern Kenya and neighbouring countries. Through the Early Market Engagement (EME), the ICT Authority aims to gather industry input to refine its procurement approach, technical specifications, and delivery strategies.

The objectives of the EME are fourfold: to inform the market of upcoming procurement opportunities, assess the capacity and innovation within the ICT sector, receive feedback on proposed technical and delivery requirements, and support the development of a transparent, competitive, and value-for-money procurement strategy.

The upcoming procurement will cover a wide range of infrastructure and service areas, including:

• Installation of backbone fibre optic infrastructure from Isiolo to Mandera

• Cross-border connectivity to Ethiopia and Somalia

• Metros and last-mile fibre optic cable installations

• Public WiFi deployments at key public institutions such as hospitals, schools, and markets

• Supply and installation of networking equipment including routers, switches, and UPS systems

• Civil works and solar power installations to support network resilience

The ICT Authority is calling on licensed ICT infrastructure contractors, fibre and networking solution providers, companies with relevant local or international experience, professional associations, and telecommunications power solution providers to participate in this engagement.

This early consultation process is expected to shape the final tendering structure and ensure that the eventual procurement attracts broad industry participation, fosters innovation, and contributes meaningfully to the region’s digital transformation agenda.