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 Kenya ICT Authority (ICTA) has invited bids from private sector players to accelerate the expansion of broadband connectivity in rural and underserved communities. This initiative falls under the Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project (KDEAP), which seeks to boost inclusive digital access, foster innovation, and strengthen the country’s position in the regional digital economy.
The project focuses on bridging the digital divide by extending affordable, high-speed internet to remote areas where private investment has been limited due to low commercial viability. By opening competitive bidding, ICTA aims to partner with internet service providers, mobile operators, and technology firms that can deliver sustainable broadband solutions while ensuring affordability and reliability for rural populations.
Through KDEAP, the government intends to support digital inclusion by enabling equitable access to essential online services such as e-government platforms, e-learning, telemedicine, and e-commerce. The project also aligns with Kenya’s Digital Economy Blueprint and the National Boardband Strategy, both of which prioritize universal connectivity as a catalyst for economic growth and social development.
The ICTA has emphasized transparency and efficiency in the procurement process, encouraging interested companies to submit proposals that demonstrate both technical capacity and innovative approaches to addressing infrastructure challenges in hard-to-reach regions. The tender documents outline specific targets for last-mile connectivity, infrastructure sharing, and integration of renewable energy solutions to power network expansion.
This move reflects Kenya’s broader efforts to position itself as a digital hub in Africa, leveraging technology to drive job creation, enhance service delivery, and strengthen competitiveness. By extending broadband to marginalized areas, the project is expected to create new opportunities for rural entrepreneurs, students, and communities, ultimately narrowing Kenya’s digital divide and fostering inclusive national development.
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