Kenya National Highways Authority Gets World Bank Support for 536KM Road Connecting Seven Counties

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has obtained a World Bank grant for developing a 536-kilometer highway network that will link seven counties in the Rift Valley region. In calling for business proposals for the Ksh800 million initiative, KeNHA announced that the highway will be constructed as part of the Roads for Rural Economic Development Project (RREDP). The notice stated that the Kenyan government has been awarded a World Bank grant to finance the proposed Roads for Rural Economic Development Project (RREDP). The initial 260-kilometer segment of the highway will extend from Kericho, passing through Ainamoi, Fort Ternan, and Kengut Border, then connecting to Mbogo Valley, Kamelilo, Sirwa, Kipkabus, and Nyaru. The second corridor, covering approximately 276 kilometers, will traverse Neissut, Embomos, Mariwa, and other areas within the project zone. KeNHA reports that this multi-million-shilling infrastructure project will span Nakuru, Kericho, Bomet, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, and Narok counties. The authority is seeking consultants to conduct a thorough socio-economic infrastructure needs assessment for communities residing along the planned transport routes. KeNHA specified that the evaluation will focus on communities situated within a 10-kilometer radius on both sides of the two highway corridors within the project area. The authority clarified that the consultancy work will encompass socio-economic infrastructure planning, investment planning, and development studies to identify priority requirements for communities that will gain from the roads initiative. Consulting firms interested in this opportunity must demonstrate at least a decade of experience in socio-economic infrastructure planning and related consultancy services for projects driven by infrastructure development. Applicants must also showcase experience with similar assignments in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in corridor development studies, infrastructure needs assessments, and rural road investment planning. KeNHA additionally revealed that the consultant for this project will be chosen through the Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) method in accordance with World Bank procurement regulations. The highway authority has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 11am at Barabara Plaza in Nairobi.