The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a public procurement notice announcing the plans to kick off the construction of a 129-kilometre section of the Kenya-South Sudan highway corridor.
The Ksh24.39 billion project is part of a wider multinational initiative which seeks to improve regional connectivity between Kenya and South Sudan.
According to KeNHA, the project falls under the Multinational Kenya-South Sudan Road Corridor, specifically the first phase of the Lesseru-Kitale and Morpus-Lokichar road upgrading project.
In a notice on Tuesday, May 5, the Authority revealed that the multi-million-shilling project is being implemented in three main lots, with the latest announcements focusing on the second and third lots, which account for 129 kilometres of road.
An aerial view of the Trans African Highway Road network.
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Construction Review
The second lot involves the upgrading of the Morpus-Kainuk Road, covering about 54 kilometres, while the third lot focuses on the Kainuk-Lokichar road, spanning 75 kilometres.
These two sections are critical links in the broader transport corridor expected to enhance trade and mobility across the region.
KeNHA revealed that it had received financing from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to fund the two sections of the highway, which will be procured through an open international competitive bidding process.
“The government has received a loan from the African Development Bank toward the cost of the Multinational: Kenya – South Sudan Road Corridor,” KeNHA announced.
“It intends to apply part of the proceeds for the Construction of Lot 2: Upgrading of Morpus-Kainuk Road (54 km) and Kainuk-Lokichar Road (75 Km),” it added.
While inviting eligible companies to bid for the construction works, the Authority indicated that the construction period for each lot is estimated at 36 months, followed by a 12-month defect liability period.
The scope of works includes major upgrades such as road surfacing, sub-base improvements, drainage systems, and construction of key infrastructure like culverts and bridges.
Bidders have been instructed to submit their applications by early July 2026, with KeNHA setting a mandatory bid security of Ksh160 million for participating contractors.
The Authority noted that while no official site visits have been organised, prospective bidders are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the project areas before submitting their proposals.
This highway project is expected to boost regional integration, ease the movement of goods and people, and unlock economic potential in northern Kenya.
Engineers at the site of the ongoing construction of the Isiolo-Mandera highway.
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Horizon
