Framework Agreement for Extending National Backbone & Cross Border Links in Two (2) Lots: Lot 1: National Backbone Links Lot 2: Cross Border & Metro Links
The Information and Communications Technology Authority (ICTA) of Kenya has issued a Request for Bids to conclude Framework Agreements for Extending National Backbone and Cross Border Links, under the Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project. The procurement is split into two lots: Lot 1 covering National Backbone Links and Lot 2 covering Cross Border and Metro Links. Financing comes from the World Bank, with payments processed through the Direct Payment disbursement method. The Framework Agreements will be Single-User, with ICTA as the sole entitled purchaser, and Multi-Service Provider, meaning several providers may be admitted before individual Call-off Contracts are competed through a separate Secondary Procurement process. Conclusion of a Framework Agreement does not obligate ICTA to purchase any works under it. The agreements will run for three years, extendable by up to two further years, and are structured as Closed Framework Agreements. Bidding follows International Competitive Procurement under World Bank Procurement Regulations. Bids are evaluated 80% on rated technical and non-price criteria and 20% on cost. Bidders may bid for one or more lots. Bids must be submitted in a two-envelope format, with technical and financial parts opened separately. The notice was published on 10 September 2026 with a closing date of 29 October 2026.
Overview
The ICT Authority of Kenya is seeking bids to establish Framework Agreements for extending national backbone and cross-border network links, financed under the World Bank supported Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project. The procurement covers two lots, national backbone links and cross-border and metro links, and will result in multi-service-provider agreements from which future call-off contracts may be awarded.
Scope of Work
- The Procuring Agency is undertaking the Primary Procurement with a view to concluding Framework Agreements.The Procuring Agency is the sole Employer under the Framework Agreement[s]. The Procuring Agency now invites sealed Bids from eligible Bidders for Extending National Backbone and Cross Border Links: Lot 1 , National Backbone Links and Lot 2 , Cross Border & Metro Links for a period of Three (3) Years.
- The Framework Agreements to be concluded will be “Single-User.” The Single-User entitled to purchase under the Framework Agreements is The Information and Communications Technology Authority.
- The Framework Agreements to be concluded will be “Multi-Service Provider.”.
- The selection of a FA Service Provider to be awarded a Call-off Contract will be done through a Secondary Procurement process as defined in Framework Agreement. However, the conclusion of a Framework Agreement shall not impose any obligation on the Procuring Agency, including participating Employers, to purchase Non-Consulting under a Call-off Contract. The conclusion Framework Agreement does not guarantee that a FA Service Provider will be awarded a Call-off Contract.
Requirements & Qualifications
Bidding is open to all eligible Bidders as defined in the World Bank's Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers (First Published July 2016, Revised Fifth Edition, September 2023). Bidders who download the bidding documents are invited to notify the purchaser by e-mail with full contact details if they intend to participate. Bids must be delivered before 1000Hrs EAT on October 29, 2026, in a two-envelope format: the outer envelope marked 'Original Bid' and the inner envelope marked 'Technical Part,' with a separate 'Second Envelope: Financial Part' to remain unopened until the second public opening. Attention is drawn to the requirement that the Borrower disclose information on the successful bidder's/bidders' beneficial ownership, as part of the publication of the conclusion of framework agreement notice, using the Beneficial Ownership Disclosure Form included in the bidding document.
Addresses named in the notice
The notice text names 2 addresses. They are published elsewhere and we hold no copy, so each opens on its own site: