TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR A CONSULTANT

Consultant to Optimize the IEA Public Debt Counter for Mobile Use

Background

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA-Kenya) is a Public Policy think-tank that seeks to promote pluralism of ideas through open, active and informed public debates on key policy issues and to propose feasible policy alternatives. The IEA is currently implementing a project on “Advancing Issue-Based Politics, Fiscal Transparency and Accountability. The project aims to strengthen public understanding of fiscal governance, and promote evidence-based public debate on Kenya’s fiscal policy choices.

As part of these efforts, the IEA has developed an online Public Debt Counter, designed to provide a real-time estimate of Kenya’s public debt stock and the rate at which it accumulates. Currently, the Public Debt Counter is optimized primarily for desktop viewing. However, given the growing reliance on smartphones as the primary means of accessing digital content, the IEA seeks to enhance accessibility by optimizing the tool for mobile platforms.

IEA therefore seeks to engage a qualified web developer or firm to create a mobile-friendly version of the Public Debt Counter that ensures seamless functionality and improved usability.

Objective of the Assignment

The purpose of this assignment is to design, and deploy a mobile-optimized version of the IEA Public Debt Counter, to ensure that the tool is accessible, responsive, and user-friendly across a range of mobile devices.

Proposed Features of the Mobile Platform

The mobile platform should incorporate the following key features:

• Responsive design that adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes and mobile operating systems.
• Real-time display of the debt counter, including total public debt and the incremental change over time.
• Optimized user interface that is suitable for small screens, with clear visualization and intuitive navigation.
• Performance optimization to ensure fast loading times
• Integration with the existing data architecture used by the current Public Debt Counter.
• Secure backend integration to allow IEA administrators to manage updates and maintain the platform.
• Compatibility across major mobile browsers and operating systems

Scope of Work and Expected Deliverables

The consultant will be expected to:

1. Design and develop a mobile-optimized web platform for the Public Debt Counter.
2. Ensure seamless integration with the existing platform, while maintaining consistency in data updates and overall functionality.
3. Optimize performance and responsiveness to ensure the platform loads quickly and functions efficiently on mobile devices.
4. Incorporate IEA branding and visual identity in the mobile interface.
5. Conduct testing across multiple mobile devices and browsers
6. Incorporate feedback from IEA following review of the platform
7. Develop a user guide detailing the backend administration and maintenance of the mobile platform.
8. Train designated IEA staff on the management and backend functionality of the platform.
9. Present the final product to IEA upon completion of the development and testing process.
10. Provide technical support for three (3) months following rollout to address any technical issues that may arise.

Timeframe and Implementation

Development of the mobile platform will be done over a period of fourteen (14) days

Technical Skills and Expertise

The consultant or firm should demonstrate the following qualifications:

• Proven experience in the design and development of innovative digital platforms, particularly mobile-responsive web applications
• Strong understanding of user interface and user experience
• Solid knowledge of web security standards and data integration.
• Experience developing platforms for data visualization or real-time dashboards will be an added advantage.
• Ability to deliver within short timelines and provide post-deployment support.

Submission of Expression of Interest

Interested consultants or firms are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) including

• A brief technical proposal outlining the proposed approach
• Relevant portfolio or examples of similar work undertaken
• A financial proposal for the assignment
• CV(s) of the consultant(s) involved in the project

Please submit your expression of interest, by COB on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, attaching your individual or firm’s qualifications and experience with previous work and indicating your financial proposal based on the deliverables outlined in the Terms of Reference.

Kindly send your expression of interest to admin@ieakenya.or.ke with a copy to amwangeka@ieakenya.or.ke; wnoah@ieakenya.or.ke and jackline@ieakenya.or.ke