Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO) has invited international bids for the design, supply and installation of a new Kilifi 220/132 kV substation and the extension of the Malindi 220/33 kV substation under the Kenya Transmission Network Improvement Project, in a move aimed at strengthening power transmission reliability along the Coast region.
In a specific procurement notice, KETRACO said the tender—listed as LOT 4-KETRACO-PT-029-2025—will be procured through Open Competitive Bidding (International), with financing from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Korean Exim Bank through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF).
The submission deadline has been set for 10:00 am EAT on March 24, 2026, with public bid opening scheduled an hour later the same day in Nairobi.
“The Government of Kenya has applied for financing from the African Development Bank toward the cost of the Kenya Transmission Network Improvement Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds toward payments under the Contract,” the notice states.
It adds that the contract will cover design, supply, and installation services for the two substations, which are critical nodes in the coastal transmission network.
KETRACO said it is seeking bids from eligible firms globally, noting that it “now invites sealed Bids from eligible Bidders for Design, Supply, and Installation Services for New Kilifi 220/132 kV Substation and Extension of Malindi 220/33 kV Substation.”
According to the notice, the procurement will be governed by the AfDB’s Procurement Framework, with payments processed through the Direct Payment disbursement method.
The utility emphasized transparency and competitiveness, stating that “bidding will be conducted through the Open Competitive Bidding (International), OCBI procedures… and is open to all eligible Bidders as defined in the Procurement Framework.”
Interested bidders can access the bidding documents free of charge from KETRACO’s website and seek clarifications from the Senior Manager, Supply Chain.
Bids must be physically delivered to KETRACO’s offices at the KAWI Complex in South C, Nairobi, as electronic bidding will not be permitted.
“Late Bids will be rejected,” the notice warns. All submissions must include a bid security of USD 1,000,000.
KETRACO also drew attention to governance requirements under the AfDB framework, noting the obligation to disclose the successful bidder’s beneficial ownership as part of the contract award.
The project aligns with Kenya Vision 2030, underscoring the government’s push to expand and modernize transmission infrastructure to support economic growth and regional power stability.
