The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has announced the opening of over 20 tenders for various agricultural infrastructure projects across Kenya. These tenders are part of the government’s efforts to enhance agricultural technology and value chain infrastructure, which will support farmers in various counties. The projects aim to improve access to agricultural technology and create vital infrastructure that will benefit local farmers and communities.
The Ministry’s State Department for Agriculture (SDA) is calling on eligible service providers to bid for these development projects. Among the projects outlined in the tenders are the construction of agricultural technology innovation centers and aggregation centers. These initiatives are expected to improve access to critical agricultural services and infrastructure in different regions of Kenya.
The tender documents can be obtained from the State Department for Agriculture’s website or via the Public Procurement Information Portal. Interested parties are required to pay a non-refundable fee of KSh 1,000, which can be paid through a banker’s cheque. All tender applications must be completed and submitted in sealed envelopes. The envelopes should be clearly labeled with the specific tender number and addressed to the Principal Secretary, State Department for Agriculture. Completed applications must be submitted to the Ministry’s offices located on Cathedral Road, Nairobi, no later than 10 a.m. on Friday, December 20, 2024.
Key projects within the tender notice include the development of agricultural technology innovation centers (DATIC) and the creation of aggregation centers (DAC) in various regions. The DATIC projects include drilling and equipping solar-powered boreholes at schools such as Khuangu Primary in Kakamega County, AC Ndune Primary in Makueni County, and CK Nyakongo Primary in Kisumu County. These projects are designed to ensure that schools and local communities have access to reliable water sources to support their agricultural activities. In addition, several dams and micro-irrigation schemes are slated for construction, such as the Kaptilil Dam in Uasin Gishu County and the Kibiringit Dam in Kericho County, which are expected to boost irrigation efforts in the areas.
Moreover, the tender includes road improvement projects that will enhance access to key agricultural centers, such as the Mbeu Aggregation Centre in Meru County, the Kibuline Aggregation Centre, and the Kipkulein Aggregation Centre in Bomet County. These infrastructure improvements are aimed at improving the transportation of goods and services to and from agricultural hubs, ensuring that farmers can access markets and essential services more efficiently.
Additionally, several other projects related to the development of aggregation centers (DAC) are also included in the tender. These projects will involve the construction of new aggregation centers in areas like Kesses Constituency in Uasin Gishu County, Kipkobet in Nandi County, and Nginda in Tharaka Nithi County. Landscaping, paving, and flood control works are also part of these projects, as seen in the plans for the Mbeu Aggregation Centre and Mogogosiek Aggregation Centre, which will benefit farmers by improving the facilities they use for aggregating agricultural products.
This large-scale investment in agricultural infrastructure underscores the government’s commitment to improving the agricultural sector in Kenya, which remains a critical pillar of the economy. By improving access to technology, water resources, and key infrastructure like roads and markets, these projects aim to strengthen the agricultural value chain, making it more resilient and efficient. Farmers, especially those in remote areas, are expected to benefit significantly from these developments.
The deadline for submitting tenders is fast approaching, and interested parties are urged to act quickly. The Ministry is keen on engaging service providers who can deliver these critical projects to enhance Kenya’s agricultural productivity. These projects are seen as key to unlocking greater potential within the agricultural sector, helping farmers increase productivity, access better technology, and improve their livelihoods through the provision of much-needed infrastructure.
In parallel to these efforts, other government initiatives are also focusing on improving various sectors of the economy. The expansion of infrastructure and provision of essential services like water and transportation are seen as integral to enhancing economic development and job creation in rural areas, where much of Kenya’s agricultural production is centered. Through these tender opportunities, the government is seeking to foster economic growth and development while creating an enabling environment for farmers and rural communities to thrive.
