Kenya Railways is inviting eligible firms to provide expert services as part of the initial phase of implementing the Kenya Urban Mobility Improvement Project.
The project is meant to enhance the Nairobi Commuter Rail, support digital upgrades for Kenya Railways, and prioritise sustainable urban transit.
This came weeks after the government secured Ksh86 billion in funding from the World Bank to fund the project.
According to a notice issued by the entity on Tuesday, May 20, Kenya Railways plans to use part of the funds to conduct an assessment of the Corporation's Information Communication and Technology (ICT) infrastructure.
The comprehensive assessment will involve coming up with an ICT infrastructure framework for aligning the corporation's technology, business processes, and information systems with its strategic goals.
In the notice, the company will also be required to come up with a digital and commuter master plan and information systems that align with international standards.
Similarly, the consulting firm will also be required to conduct a stakeholder workshop for all Kenyans to express their input on the planned ultra-modern commuter rail project set to be established in Nairobi.
"The government of Kenya has applied for financing from the World Bank towards the cost of the Kenya Urban Mobility Improvement Project (KUMIP), and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services," Kenya Railways said.
"Consulting services include conducting an assessment of the current ICT landscape within Kenya Railway, including a current state assessment and gap analysis of existing systems, infrastructure, standards and policies."
While making the announcement, Kenya Railways noted that the consulting firms must be registered and must have at least 15 years of experience in handling railway ICT operations and must be able to come up with a digital transportation fare collection system.
Additionally, the said company must demonstrate having executed and completed at least three assignments of similar nature and scope in similar operating environments.
In October last year, the World Bank pledged to disburse Ksh86 billion for the construction of a 58-kilometre railway line targeting thousands of passengers daily.
Speaking on October 8, last year, Transport Cabinet Secretary, Davis Chirchir, said the project was aimed at decongesting roads within Nairobi metropolitan by creating a safe and reliable alternative mode of transport.
The project is set to be implemented on an underutilised 425-acre piece of land within the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD). The vast share of the said piece of land is owned by the Kenya Railways Corporation.
Besides Nairobi County, the multi-billion-shilling rail project will benefit several neighbouring counties, including Kiambu, Kajiado, Murang'a and Machakos, with the project set to be completed by 2030.
