NAIROBI, Kenya- The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is seeking input from contractors and consultants as it prepares to upgrade about 536 kilometres of rural roads under a proposed project backed by the World Bank and the Government of Kenya.
The Roads for Rural Economic Development Project (RREDP) targets roads in Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, Kericho, Bomet, Nandi, Narok and Nakuru counties.
The project aims to improve rural connections to markets and services, support agricultural productivity and strengthen cross-border trade.
A general procurement notice says the government intends to seek US$600 million in World Bank financing for the project.
A separate KeNHA notice says the project is to be financed by the International Development Association (IDA) and the Kenyan government.
The documents describe proposed financing and upcoming procurement.
Four road sections planned
The proposed works cover four sections: the approximately 110-kilometre Kericho–Kenegut Border Road; the 150-kilometre Kenegut Border–Nyaru Road; the 133-kilometre Neissuit–Embomoss Road; and the 143-kilometre Embomoss–Mariwa Road.
Together, the sections total about 536 kilometres.
KeNHA plans to upgrade the roads to bitumen standards using climate-resilient designs.
The works are also expected to include road safety improvements, bridges at selected locations and infrastructure for fibre-optic cables.
The notice describes a design-and-build approach, with construction supervision services also to be procured.
The project has other planned components beyond road works.
These include community facilities intended to improve access to basic social and economic services in the selected counties, and improvements to trade facilities at Olposimoru, Nyamtiro and Kopanga.
The general procurement notice also includes institutional strengthening for transport sector organisations.
The notices form part of a preparatory process. In an earlier procurement notice, KeNHA said the government had received a US$3 million World Bank grant for preparation activities, including feasibility and engineering studies, bridge and fibre-optic designs, and assessments to identify community infrastructure needs.
KeNHA invites industry feedback
KeNHA has scheduled an early market engagement session for Thursday, October 29, at 10am. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format, with an in-person session at the Barabara Plaza Auditorium near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Online participation details will be shared with confirmed participants.
Firms and individuals interested in attending were asked to confirm by email by Wednesday, October 28, stating how many people would participate. The notice invites local and international road and building contractors, engineering consultants, professional associations, construction technology providers, suppliers, and environmental and social experts.
The market engagement is intended to give KeNHA feedback on the proposed work, timelines, procurement strategy, technical requirements and contract packaging. The authority says the session is non-binding and will not influence eligibility or confer an advantage in future procurement. “This is NOT a solicitation or tender process,” the notice states.
The project’s scale means its next steps will matter to road contractors and consultants preparing to compete for work, as well as communities and businesses along the proposed corridors. KeNHA says formal procurement notices will be issued separately as contracts become available.
