Last Mile Connectivity of Schools Contract related to: Last Mile Connectivity of Schools - Kenya is today the East Africa hub for digitalisation, and the only country in the region that offers a Data Protection Act based on the EU¿s General Data Protection Regulation. These elements make EU involvement in this area not only strategic from a development perspective but also relevant for the promotion of the EU interests in the region. By focusing on digitalisation that is inclusive, human-centric and rights-based, the EU can position itself meaningfully in the region and hence complement other global actors such as the US and China.As part of the Global Gateway, the Action is part of the Team Europe Initiative (TEI) on Human-centred Digitalisation and will contribute EUR 28M in EU grants to leverage another EUR 173 million of investment. It will support Kenya¿s digital agenda and the EU¿s `partnership with Africa on the transition to a digital age¿. It will strengthen EU¿s engagement in the sector by assisting Kenya to tap into the EU¿s sizable regulatory experience, public e-services, businesses partnerships and impact financing both for the benefit of development (human-centred approach) and EU interests. Consistent with the TEI this Action aligns with its three specific objectives to: 1) Reduce the digital gap by connecting underserved remote areas with optic fibre infrastructure unlocking the digital servicing of schools and potentially of health centres (EUR 6 million EU grant to EIB will help leverage EUR 30 million in sovereign loan from EIB and some EUR 70 million in private investment). The EU will assist GoK to advance its capabilities in mobilising public and private financing for digital infrastructure, in improving the fibre network¿s resilience and in opening up affordable opportunities for populations previously without access. The action will develop criteria for selecting an underserved area considering poverty and vulnerability and hence could involve migrant and refugee communities. The EU grant of EUR 4 million to UNICEF may also fund an extension of the Giga programme which provides digital educational services to schools; &nbsp;2) Leapfrog digital economy transformations by strengthening the digital and innovation ecosystem to cater for business and job creation, building digital skills such as in TVET and capabilities with a focus on women and youth; leveraging emerging technologies for socio-economic benefit; and enhancing digital policy and Kenyan regional leadership on the digital economy. Here, a EUR 10 million EU grant to&nbsp;KfW and AFD could leverage EUR 60 million in sovereign loans from both financial institutions on digital curricula mainstreaming in TVET. Another EUR 3 million EU grant to GiZ will support the digital innovation ecosystem and strengthening of Kenya¿s digital policy.&nbsp;3) Strengthen open and inclusive digital governance. This will be promoted at national and local level involving more secure, open and integrated e-government systems and standards. Democracy&nbsp;and human rights will also be promoted and protected in the digital environment while the enforcement of the Data Protection Act will be supported with an EU grant of EUR 4 M to GIZ who will work in collaboration with Estonia.