Kenya ICT Authority Calls for Bids to Expand Rural Broadband under Digital Economy Acceleration Project

The Government of Kenya, through the Information and Communications Technology Authority (ICTA) , has invited bids for the provision of broadband internet capacity to selected government sites in rural areas. This initiative falls under the Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project, funded by the World Bank, and aims to strengthen digital connectivity across underserved regions.

The procurement process will establish Framework Agreements for non-consulting services, allowing the government to award Call-off Contracts for broadband provision over a period of three years, extendable by two additional years. ICTA will act as the sole employer under these agreements.

According to the bid notice, both single and multiple service providers will be considered. However, the framework agreement itself does not guarantee contracts; selection will occur under a secondary process.

The bidding will follow the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers and be conducted through International Competitive Procurement using a two-envelope system (technical and financial proposals). Bidders may submit proposals for one or more items.

Evaluation of bids will be based on technical and non-price criteria (80%) and cost (20%).

Interested bidders can download the tender documents free of charge from the ICTA and Public Procurement websites. Completed bids must be submitted to ICTA by 10:00 AM East African Time on October 1, 2025. Technical bids will be opened on the same day at Telposta Towers, Nairobi, while financial bids will remain sealed until the second opening.

ICTA emphasized that this initiative is critical to bridging Kenya’s digital divide by extending internet connectivity to rural government institutions, thereby supporting inclusive economic growth and digital transformation.