Rural Roads Plan: KeNHA Seeks US$600M World Bank Funding for 536km Across Seven CountiesRural Roads Plan: KeNHA Seeks US$600M World Bank Funding for 536km Across Seven Counties
Key Highlights
- The Kenya National Highways Authority has issued a General Procurement Notice for a programme to upgrade about 536km of climate-resilient rural roads, for which Kenya seeks KSh 77.92B ($600M) from the World Bank.
- The financing is not yet approved, and contractors must pass an initial selection process before bidding for road works in seven counties.
- The project also covers bridges and buildings and digital systems at three border stations.
Kenya is seeking KSh 77.92B ($600M) from the World Bank to upgrade about 536km of rural roads across seven counties, and the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a General Procurement Notice for the work.
The notice matters to contractors and to farming areas that depend on poor roads to reach markets, but the money is not yet secured. Financing for the Roads for Rural Economic Development Project is still being sought, so no contracts can be awarded.
What the project covers
According to the notice as reported, the roads will be upgraded to bituminous standard with climate-resilient designs in Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, Kericho, Bomet, Nandi, Narok and Nakuru counties. Bridges will be built at identified locations, though the number was not given.
Work also includes buildings and digital systems at three border stations: Olposimoru, Nyamtiro and Kopanga. Procurement is governed by the World Bank rules for borrowers.
How procurement will work
Procurement will follow the World Bank's procurement regulations. Contractors for the 536km of roads must first pass an initial selection process, and the notice invites eligible firms and individuals to apply.
After project negotiations, the World Bank will publish the agreed initial procurement plan once it issues a no-objection. Until then, the timetable and individual contract sizes are unknown.
What is still unconfirmed
Mwenendo could not find a World Bank approval for the loan, and the notice date was not given in the report. The split between loan and government funding, and the cost per road, were also not stated.
Mwenendo earlier reported on how Kenya's economy grew 5.1% in the second quarter, with agriculture slowing to 3.5%, and as Mwenendo earlier reported, the Treasury is preparing wider tax proposals.
Why it matters for farm counties
Better rural roads cut transport costs for produce from the Rift Valley counties named. If the loan is approved, the start dates and contractor lists will show how soon those savings could reach farmers.
In Summary
- Who is seeking the funding?
- Kenya, through the Kenya National Highways Authority.
- What is the project?
- The Roads for Rural Economic Development Project covering about 536km of roads, bridges and three border stations.
- When will it be approved?
- Financing is not yet approved and no date was given.
- Where will it be built?
- Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, Kericho, Bomet, Nandi, Narok and Nakuru counties.
- Why is it proposed?
- To build climate-resilient rural roads and improve border stations.
- How will contractors be chosen?
- Under World Bank procurement rules, after an initial selection process.