Kenya seeks $600m World Bank loan for rural roads

Kenya National Highways Authority sought $600 million from the World Bank on Tuesday to upgrade 536 kilometres of roads, according to a general procurement notice published through MyGov.

The request would finance rural transport links across seven counties and follows World Bank approval months earlier of KSh71.5 billion in additional funding for Kenya’s Isiolo-Mandera road corridor.

“The Government of the Republic of Kenya intends to apply for financing in the amount of Ksh 77.9 billion (US$600 million) equivalent from the World Bank towards the cost of the Roads for Rural Economic Development Project (RREDP),” the notice said.

KeNHA said the works would cover Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, Kericho, Bomet, Nandi, Narok and Nakuru counties. Bridge construction is also planned for selected sites in Lower Eastern Kenya.

“The Authority intends to upgrade approximately 536 km of selected roads in Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, Kericho, Bomet, Nandi, Narok and Nakuru Counties to bituminous standard using climate-resilient designs,” the notice said. Bituminous roads are paved surfaces built with asphalt-like material.

The project is designed to improve rural access for agricultural areas, including links between farms, buyers and basic services. KeNHA also listed road-safety works and infrastructure for fibre-optic cables among planned investments.

The roads would be procured under a design-and-build model, meaning contractors would handle both engineering design and construction. KeNHA said initial contractor selection would be required for the 536 kilometres of road sections.

Other components include community facilities in the seven counties after a needs assessment, as well as buildings and digital systems at Olposimoru, Nyamtiro and Kopanga border stations. KeNHA said the project also aims to strengthen transport institutions through planning, maintenance management and implementation capacity.

The financing has not been approved. The People Daily report said the procurement notice did not show World Bank consent for the loan, and KeNHA has not disclosed the individual road sections, construction start date or completion schedule.

KeNHA invited local and international firms to express interest in goods, works and consultancy contracts. The authority said procurement would follow World Bank rules, with specific tender notices to be issued on the World Bank website, KeNHA’s website and in at least one Kenyan national newspaper when those stages are reached.

Source: General procurement notice via MyGov, reported by People Daily, Oct. 20, 2026.