August 19, 2025 | 09:45 IST, The Government of Kenya, through the Information and Communications Technology Authority (ICTA), has issued a call for bids aimed at expanding broadband internet capacity to selected government sites in rural areas. This initiative is part of the Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project, a World Bank-funded program designed to enhance digital connectivity across underserved regions and promote inclusive economic growth.

Under this procurement, ICTA intends to establish Framework Agreements for non-consulting services, enabling the government to issue Call-off Contracts for broadband provision over a three-year period, with the option to extend for an additional two years. ICTA will serve as the sole contracting authority throughout the duration of the agreements.

The bid notice specifies that the government will consider proposals from both individual and multiple service providers. However, securing a place in the framework agreement does not automatically guarantee contract awards, as final selection will occur through a subsequent competitive process.

The procurement will adhere strictly to the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for Investment Project Financing (IPF) Borrowers. The process will be conducted through International Competitive Procurement and will utilize a two-envelope system, comprising technical and financial proposals. Bidders are permitted to submit proposals for one or more items outlined in the tender.

Evaluation of submissions will weigh technical and non-price criteria at 80 percent, while cost considerations will account for the remaining 20 percent. This approach ensures that both service quality and financial efficiency are prioritized in the selection process.

Tender documents are available free of charge and can be downloaded 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 proposals will be opened on the same day at Telposta Towers, Nairobi, while financial proposals will remain sealed until the second opening to ensure transparency and fairness.

ICTA highlighted that this initiative represents a strategic step toward bridging Kenya’s digital divide by extending high-speed internet access to rural government institutions. By facilitating improved connectivity, the project is expected to support digital transformation, enhance service delivery, and foster economic opportunities across rural regions.

This project underscores Kenya’s commitment to leveraging technology as a catalyst for development and creating an inclusive digital ecosystem where rural communities can access critical government services efficiently.