China nationals were prioritised in a multi-billion-shilling tender for the establishment of the Nairobi Intelligent Transport System (ITS) project which aims to improve traffic flow in Nairobi.
The project estimated to cost Ksh9 billion (61 million US dollars) will install traffic management systems at 25 junctions in the city, six vehicle detection systems and over 20 CCTV cameras.
The project is expected to reduce the workload of traffic police officers through the use of artificial intelligence to manage traffic.
In a notice by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), the contract period for the tender will be 72 months whereby 36 months will be used to design and build the project while the remaining 36 months will be for operation and maintenance.
The system will be funded by the China Exim Bank which has expressed commitment over the multibillion project.
"The government of the Republic of Kenya has received an Intent for Financing from the China EXIM Bank of the Peoples Republic of China and intends to apply a portion of the proceeds of this loan to payments under the contract for Design and Build for the Nairobi ITS Establishment and Junction Improvement Project," the notice read in part.
"The bidder and all other parties constituting the bidder shall have the nationality of the Republic of China."
The scope of work for the tender involves detailed engineering design, integration of installed systems with other third-party systems, maintenance of the intelligence system, provision of technical support for operations, capacity building and training.
Other works include the provision of technical support for the transfer of services at the end of the contract.
The Chinese firm selected for the tender will be required to focus on designing and operating the Traffic Management Centre (TMC), Advanced Traffic Management System, Traffic Signal Control, Traffic Video Surveillance, Traffic Violation Detection, Intelligent Checkpoint, Traffic Flow Collection, Integrated Site Power and enhancement of Traffic Management Centre.
"Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) herein referred to as the Employer, being the authorised agent and the Project Executing Agency of the Government of the Republic of Kenya now invites eligible firms to indicate their interest in providing the above works and services," the notice read in part.
The bidders must submit one application in their name or as a joint venture to KURA's Director General on or before February 14, 2024, by 11:00 am.
KURA noted that the bids would be opened in the presence of their representatives.
