Kenya opens its national fiber backbone extension to multiple providers

The market is divided into two lots. The first concerns the national backbone links, while the second focuses on cross-border and metropolitan connections. The authority plans to select multiple providers in each lot to subsequently award contracts as needed.

According to the published terms, between five and twenty providers may be selected for the national backbone lot, compared to five to eight for the cross-border and metropolitan links. The framework agreements are expected to last for three years, with a possibility of extension for up to two additional years.

The tender is part of the Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project, supported by the World Bank. In 2023, the institution approved $390 million for the first phase of this program, which encompasses a broader range of digital investments and is not limited to the procedure launched in September 2026.

The World Bank presents the program as a lever to expand broadband internet, connect more public institutions and educational establishments, and strengthen border links. The project is also expected to facilitate the mobilization of approximately $100 million in private capital for broadband infrastructure.

Kenya’s digital strategy aims to extend the national fiber optic coverage to 100,000 kilometers. TechAfrica News reports that the public sector fiber network has increased from 22,486 kilometers in 2022 to over 30,400 kilometers, with the current procedure set to support a new phase of expansion.

Bids must be submitted by October 29, 2026, at 10:00 am East Africa Time. The tender documents stipulate that the bids will remain valid until March 30, 2027.