TARDA EOI for Partnership for Sustainable Agri-Business Development of the Tana Delta Irrigation Project

Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority (TARDA)
Partnership for Sustainable Agri-Business Development of the Tana Delta Irrigation Project
The Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority (TARDA) is a Regional Development Authority under the Ministry of Regional Development Authorities.
TARDA was established by an Act of parliament, Cap 443 Laws of Kenya 1974 and mandated to undertake integrated regional planning, coordination of development projects and implementation of projects for the utilization of resources within the Tana and Athi Rivers Basins.
 The Tana Delta Irrigation Project (TDIP) is a product of a feasibility study that was commissioned by TARDA in 1981 to study irrigation development in the Lower Tana River Basin. The study identified 12,000 Ha as suitable for rice production under irrigation. In 1987 TARDA completed the detailed project design and a Definite Development Plan (DDP) covering 2,000Ha for phase 1. The implementation of Phase 1 covering 1,763Ha was completed in October 1987. This comprised irrigation infrastructure, flood protection dykes, an estate compound and a rice mill complex. Most of the infrastructure was however destroyed by El nino floods of 1997/98 forcing TARDA to close down farm operations.
In 2009/2010 TARDA under the Economic Stimulus Program (ESP) for Emergency Food Production, rehabilitated the farm infrastructure thereby opening up 1,300ha for rice production.
However the potential and capacity of the project to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s), Kenya’s Vision 2030, and TARDA’s strategic plan has not been fully realized due to resources based constraints. It is on this basis that TARDA is seeking for a partner to engage in a sustainable Agri Business Development of the Tana Delta Irrigation Project.
 3. Purpose of expression of interest
The purpose of this EOI is to identify a suitable partner to enter into a Sustainable Integrated Agribusiness venture within the Tana Delta Irrigation Project in Garsen, Tana River County, to;
a) Carry out site investigation and topographic survey.
b) Prepare detailed designs and project documents.
c) Construction of flood protection dykes, irrigation canals, drainage structures, access roads, and rehabilitation of the rice mill Complex and estate compounds.
d) Carry out on-farm works on the new area which include clearing, earth works and land leveling.
e) Carry out research and seed multiplication.
f) Crop production, management and daily operations of the scheme including marketing.
The joint venture is intended to achieve the following outputs;
a) Fully rehabilitate and operate the 1,763 Ha developed by year 1.
b) An additional 4,000Ha opened up for Rice production.
c) A vibrant and sustainable agribusiness within Tana Delta Irrigation Project.
d) Incorporate high value crops within the rice production system.
e) An integrated environmental and social management plan.
 Prospective interested firms should demonstrate their technical and financial capacity of Ksh.2.5 Billion annual turn-over or more to undertake these works and provide the following documents in their application:
a. Certified copy of certificate of registration or equivalent.
b. Certified copies of documents defining their legal status.
c. Registered physical address of the entity, Tax registration and Compliance Certificate
d. Certified Audited accounts for the last three years
e. Past experience in similar works including recommendations from at least three nationally/internationally recognized firms engaged in similar works.
Completed and properly bound bid documents marked ‘EOI to undertake sustainable integrated agribusiness development in Tana Delta Irrigation Project (TDIP) ’ in clearly marked envelope addressed to the Tana & Athi Rivers Development Authority should be deposited in the Tender Box at the reception area of TARDA Headquarters located at Queens Way building 7th Floor on Kaunda Street, Nairobi on or before 11.00 am on or before 13th June, 2012.
Opening of the bids will commence immediately thereafter at the TARDA boardroom in the presence of the representatives from the interested parties who choose to attend.
Only shortlisted firms will be contacted to submit technical and financial proposals.
The Managing Director
Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority
P.O Box 47309-00100
Nairobi, Kenya.