Kenya is seeking $600 million (Sh77.92 billion) in World Bank financing for a rural development project that will upgrade selected roads in seven counties, build bridges in the Lower Eastern region and improve infrastructure at three border stations.

According to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the project will cover approximately 536 kilometres of roads in Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, Kericho, Bomet, Nandi, Narok and Nakuru counties, with the works set to use climate-resilient designs.

The Roads for Rural Economic Development Project (RREDP) will also include road safety improvements, civil works for fibre-optic cables and the construction of key community facilities to improve access to basic social and economic services.

The government intends to use part of the proposed World Bank financing to pay for goods, construction works, non-consulting services and consulting services required to implement the project.

Under the first component, KeNHA plans to upgrade the selected roads to bituminous standards and construct bridges at identified locations in the Lower Eastern region.

“The road works will be carried out through a Design-and-Build approach, alongside the related construction supervision services,” KeNHA said.

The second component will focus on improving access to community and socio-economic infrastructure in selected areas of the seven counties. KeNHA said it plans to design and construct key facilities after conducting a comprehensive needs assessment to identify the required developments.

The third component will target rural cross-border connectivity and trade facilitation. Planned activities include constructing buildings and installing digital systems at Olposimoru, Nyamtiro and Kopanga border stations.

The fourth component will strengthen selected institutions in the transport sector and related areas. The Authority said this will involve improving their capacity to implement projects, plan road development and manage road maintenance through the procurement of goods and services.

KeNHA has issued a General Procurement Notice inviting eligible firms and individuals interested in supplying goods, undertaking construction works or providing services under the project to seek consideration.

The procurement of contracts financed by the World Bank will follow the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers, issued in July 2016 and revised in September 2025 under the seventh edition.

The process will be open to all eligible firms and individuals as defined in the procurement regulations. Contractors seeking to undertake the 536-kilometre road sections will be required to undergo an initial selection process.

Following project negotiations, KENHA said the World Bank will arrange for the publication of the agreed initial procurement plan and subsequent updates on its external website after issuing a no-objection.

Specific procurement notices for contracts subject to open international competitive procurement will be published as they become available on the World Bank’s external website, the KeNHA website, www.kenha.co.ke, and in at least one newspaper with national circulation in Kenya.

Interested eligible firms and individuals seeking further information or wishing to be considered for the supply of goods, works and services have been directed to contact KeNHA through its Supply Chain Management department.

Inquiries should be addressed to the Deputy Director, Supply Chain Management, Kenya National Highways Authority, Barabara Plaza, Block C, 2nd Floor, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), off Airport South Road, along Mazao Road, P.O. Box 49712–00100, Nairobi, Kenya.