Kenya is initiating a transformative project in the Horn of Africa with the launch of a high-capacity fibre optic cable corridor along the Isiolo-Mandera route. Spearheaded by the ICT Authority under the Ministry of Information, Communications, and The Digital Economy, this project aims to enhance regional digital integration and connect underserved communities. Supported by World Bank funding, it forms part of the larger Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP).
A key component in realizing this ambitious vision is the Early Market Engagement (EME) initiated by the ICT Authority. It seeks input from suppliers, contractors, and stakeholders in procurement opportunities, technical needs, and delivery strategies. The goal is to ensure a competitive procurement process that fosters innovation and delivers value. This process covers the installation of backbone fibre optic infrastructure, cross-border connectivity with Ethiopia and Somalia, and last-mile installations. It also includes public WiFi for institutions, networking equipment, and supportive infrastructure such as solar power.
Approved in 2020, the HoAGDP received a substantial $750 million from the World Bank. The initiative not only enhances digital connectivity but also upgrades the 740-kilometre Isiolo-Mandera Regional Road to bitumen standards. This aims to facilitate the movement of people and goods across Kenya’s North Eastern region. The project’s digital infrastructure is expected to significantly improve access to internet connectivity, social services, and economic opportunities for over 3.2 million residents.
Recent discussions between Kenya and Ethiopia, held under the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, highlight their commitment to completing the cross-border fibre optic link. The countries emphasize that enhanced digital services are integral to socio-economic development. Complementary efforts in infrastructure such as roads, clean water, healthcare, and education aim to boost connectivity and quality of life in border regions.
HoAGDP’s broader goal is to strengthen cross-border infrastructure. This involves constructing physical infrastructures, like bridges over the River Dawa, to facilitate trade and movement. This comprehensive strategy targets unlocking economic potential, improving regional mobility, and integrating digital and transport networks for sustainable growth.
