How to apply for tenders in Kenya: a step-by-step guide (2026)

Government ministries, counties and state corporations spend billions of shillings every year buying goods, works and services. Learning how to apply for tenders in Kenya can open steady, large contracts for your business. This guide walks you through the whole process, from registration to submitting a winning bid.

Step 1: Register your business properly

Most tenders require a registered business name or limited company. If you have not registered yet, follow our guide on how to register a business in Kenya. A limited company is often preferred for larger tenders.

Step 2: Get your compliance documents ready

• KRA PIN for the business.
• Valid tax compliance certificate from iTax. It must be valid on the tender closing date, so file all returns on time (see tax deadlines in Kenya).
• CR12 showing current directors and shareholders (for companies).
• County single business permit.
• Sector licences, for example NCA for construction, ICTA for ICT or PPB for pharmaceuticals.

Step 3: Register for AGPO if you qualify

The Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) programme reserves at least 30% of government procurement for businesses owned by youth, women and persons with disabilities. Register on the AGPO portal with your business and ownership documents to access these reserved tenders.

Step 4: Find tenders

• The Public Procurement Information Portal (tenders.go.ke).
• Websites of ministries, counties, universities and state corporations.
• Daily newspapers (tender notices section).
• Supplier pre-qualification notices, usually at the start of the financial year in July.
• Private sector, NGO and UN procurement portals.

Step 5: Read the tender document carefully

Download the tender document and highlight the mandatory requirements, evaluation criteria, closing date and time, bid security and submission format (online via e-procurement or physical). Attend the pre-bid meeting or site visit if one is offered and ask questions in writing before the deadline.

Step 6: Prepare a complete, well-organised bid

1. Fill in every form and sign and stamp where required.
2. Paginate and serialise the bid if asked; many bids are disqualified for missing page numbers.
3. Attach copies of all documents in the order the tender lists them.
4. Include a strong company profile with past projects, references and team CVs.
5. Price competitively but realistically; unrealistically low prices can be rejected.
6. Arrange bid security from your bank or an approved insurer if required.

Step 7: Submit before the deadline

Submit online or drop the sealed bid in the tender box before the closing time. Late bids are rejected automatically. Attend the public tender opening if you can.

Step 8: After submission

Successful and unsuccessful bidders are notified in writing. If you lose, ask for the reasons and use them to improve. If you believe the process was unfair, you can request a review by the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board within the legal timelines.

Common reasons bids are rejected

• Expired tax compliance certificate.
• Missing or unsigned forms.
• No bid security or wrong amount.
• Pages not numbered as instructed.
• Not meeting experience or licence requirements.

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Tender documents checklist

Requirements differ per tender. Always follow the exact instructions in the tender document.