The procurement marks a pivotal step in Kenya’s digital journey, translating policy commitments into tangible impact for rural communities. By extending broadband to schools, health centres, and government offices, the project also advances the country’s National Digital Masterplan.

The Government of Kenya, through the Information and Communications Technology Authority (ICTA), has invited bids for the provision of broadband internet under the Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project (KDEAP). The bids are to be submitted on or before 1st October 2025 at 10:00 AM EAT.

The initiative will deliver broadband capacity to selected schools, health centres, and administrative offices in underserved areas, helping to close Kenya’s digital divide and strengthen public service delivery.

According to ICTA, the agreement will prioritize rural communities, where limited connectivity has long hindered access to education, healthcare, and digital services. By connecting government institutions in these regions, the project is expected to enhance e-learning platforms, support digital health services, improve agricultural extension programmes, and boost citizen access to essential e-government services.

Launched in 2023 with a US$390 million facility from the World Bank, KDEAP is the backbone of Kenya’s digital transformation agenda. Implemented by the ICT Authority under the Ministry of Information, Communications, and Digital Economy, the five-year programme aims to expand high-speed internet access to schools, hospitals, government offices, and marketplaces, while digitizing public services and enhancing citizens’ digital skills.

Structured in two phases (2023–2028 and 2026–2030), KDEAP focuses on three pillars: expanding broadband infrastructure to rural and underserved areas, modernizing government platforms for faster and more secure service delivery, and scaling up digital skills for youth, women, and persons with disabilities. It also aims to mobilize private sector investment in broadband expansion, aligning with Kenya’s National Digital Masterplan, which envisions 100,000 km of fiber coverage and 80% of public services digitized by 2030.

The procurement process will adhere to international competitive bidding rules, guided by World Bank standards, to ensure transparency, efficiency, and a timely rollout to rural areas.

If successful, the rural broadband rollout will help position Kenya as a regional digital leader, while ensuring that no community is left behind in the shift to a knowledge-based economy.

Hikmatu Bilali