Kenya Initiates Talks on Fiber Optic Link Between Somalia and Ethiopia

NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — In a significant stride towards revitalizing digital connectivity in East Africa, the Kenyan government has embarked on a consultation initiative with industry stakeholders. This marks the dawn of an ambitious regional fibre optic infrastructure project, aimed at linking northeastern Kenya with Somalia and Ethiopia. Through this endeavor, the government hopes to enhance digital accessibility and foster integration throughout the Horn of Africa. It is not merely a technological upgrade; this project has the potential to redefine the region’s economic landscape.

Led by Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy along with the ICT Authority, the project is part of the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP). This initiative, funded by the World Bank, aims to transform trade and connectivity across the region, raising the question: What does a digitally connected East Africa look like?

At the heart of this forward-thinking plan lies an impressive 740-kilometre fibre optic backbone that will stretch from Isiolo to Mandera. These counties, which sit on the borders of Somalia and Ethiopia, are set to benefit greatly from improved connectivity. Additionally, there will be 200 kilometres dedicated to metro and last-mile cable installations. These connections will provide essential digital access to key public institutions, including schools, hospitals, markets, and administrative offices. Can you imagine the students in Mandera accessing online learning resources for the first time?

In preparation for the upcoming procurement phase, the ICT Authority is conducting what’s termed an Early Market Engagement (EME). This initiative aims to engage contractors, technology firms, power solution providers, and various other ICT stakeholders. Though this consultation is non-binding, it stands to influence procurement strategies, technical specifications, and delivery models for this multi-faceted project. What insights could contractors provide that would shape this critical infrastructure forming the backbone of our digital future?

“This engagement offers stakeholders a critical opportunity to shape Kenya’s digital future and to build infrastructure that strengthens regional ties,” expressed Stanley Kamanguya, the CEO of the ICT Authority. His words echo a broader vision: a digitally interconnected community that fosters not only trade but also cultural exchange.

The procurement scope for this project is extensive and covers essential areas such as:

• Installation of backbone fibre optic infrastructure between the Isiolo and Mandera corridor.
• Establishment of cross-border links to Somalia and Ethiopia.
• Deployment of metro and last-mile fibre optic cables.
• Public Wi-Fi access at schools, markets, hospitals, and other institutions.
• Supply and installation of networking equipment, such as routers, switches, and UPS systems.
• Civil works and solar-powered backup systems to bolster network resilience.

This project is not just about extending wires and cables; it represents a lifeline for underserved counties such as Isiolo, Meru, Wajir, Garissa, and Mandera. As a result, it promises a boost in economic growth and improved service delivery, fostering an environment conducive to cross-border digital trade. What would it mean for a market vendor in Garissa to sell goods online, reaching customers beyond their immediate vicinity?

The HoAGDP builds upon the foundation laid by the Eastern Africa Regional Transport, Trade and Development Facilitation Project (EARTTDFP). This project has already made strides in extending fibre connectivity from Eldoret to the South Sudan border and installing more than 190 access sites for schools, hospitals, and government offices. “These projects are key pillars of the country’s long-term infrastructure and digital integration strategy,” commented ICT and Digital Economy Principal Secretary John Tanui, highlighting not just the technical aspects but also the transformative potential of such initiatives.

For companies interested in joining this groundbreaking project, the deadline for submitting expressions of interest is set for Wednesday, July 16, 2025. All submissions should be directed to the respective email addresses provided by the ICT Authority, ensuring that participants clearly indicate the subject line:

“Expression of Interest – Early Market Engagement: Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project.”

Interested firms must also register at the following link: https://icta.go.ke/events. After registration, participants will receive a workshop brief and further instructions. Notably, the EME will be conducted in a hybrid format, offering both in-person sessions in Nairobi and virtual options for broader participation. The specific date and venue details are anticipated soon.

This is a call to action for all engaged stakeholders: consider submitting a brief company profile, outlining your areas of specialization or interest, relevant experiences—either local or international—and any thoughts you may have about the project’s scope or implementation.

With an initiative of this magnitude, one can’t help but wonder: What future possibilities await East Africa as it steps boldly into a connected digital era?

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.