Kenya has launched a major fibre optic project along the Isiolo–Mandera corridor, aiming to bridge the digital divide in its northeastern region and bolster regional integration across the Horn of Africa.
Led by the ICT Authority under the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, the initiative forms part of the $750 million World Bank–funded Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP). The corridor will extend high-capacity fibre infrastructure across 740 kilometres, improving connectivity in underserved communities and facilitating cross-border digital links with Ethiopia and Somalia.
An Early Market Engagement (EME) process has been initiated to attract supplier and contractor input on procurement, technology, and delivery strategies—ensuring a competitive and innovation-driven rollout. The project scope includes backbone fibre deployment, last-mile access, public WiFi for institutions, solar-powered infrastructure, and networking equipment.
In addition to its digital ambitions, HoAGDP includes critical upgrades to the Isiolo–Mandera highway, converting it to bitumen standard to support the movement of people and goods across the region.
Kenyan and Ethiopian officials, in recent talks under the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), reaffirmed their commitment to completing the cross-border fibre link, viewing enhanced digital infrastructure as essential to economic transformation.
By targeting over 3.2 million residents, the project is expected to expand access to online services, improve healthcare, education, and commerce, and unlock wider economic potential through integrated digital and transport infrastructure.
Source: VOIP Review | July 2025
