Kenya has launched stakeholder consultations for a major regional fiber optic infrastructure project that will connect northeastern Kenya with both Ethiopia and Somalia, aiming to enhance digital connectivity and cross-border cooperation in the Horn of Africa.
The project, spearheaded by Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy along with the ICT Authority, is part of the World Bank–funded Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP).
At the heart of the initiative is a 740-kilometre fiber optic backbone stretching from Isiolo to Mandera, near the borders of Ethiopia and Somalia. In addition to the main backbone, the plan includes around 200 kilometers of metro and last-mile fiber installations to connect local institutions such as hospitals, schools, markets, and government offices.
The ICT Authority is currently conducting an Early Market Engagement (EME) to gather input from contractors, technology providers, and power system suppliers. These discussions will inform procurement strategies, delivery timelines, and technical specifications for the project.
“The engagement allows us to shape Kenya’s digital transformation while deepening regional ties with Ethiopia and Somalia,” said Stanley Kamanguya, CEO of the ICT Authority.
The procurement will include:
Backbone installation (Isiolo–Mandera corridor)
Cross-border links to Ethiopia and Somalia
Local fiber and metro network deployments
Free public Wi-Fi access points
Networking hardware (routers, UPS, switches)
Civil and solar backup infrastructure
The counties of Isiolo, Meru, Wajir, Garissa, and Mandera will benefit most directly, helping to close digital access gaps and support economic development in underserved regions.
The HoAGDP follows earlier efforts such as the Eastern Africa Regional Transport, Trade and Development Facilitation Project, which expanded connectivity into South Sudan.
The Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy, John Tanui, noted the World Bank’s consistent support and described the two projects as crucial to Kenya’s digital infrastructure goals.