The Kenyan government created the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) program to give youth, women, and persons with disabilities a fair shot at winning government tenders.
Launched on 16th October 2013 in Nairobi, the program draws its legal backing from the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015.
If you belong to any of these groups and want to grow your business through government contracts, you need to understand the requirements for AGPO certificate in Kenya before you apply.
Complete Requirements For AGPO Certificate In Kenya Broken Down By Category
The AGPO program serves three distinct groups, and each group has slightly different document requirements. Before you visit the AGPO portal or your nearest Huduma Centre, gather all the documents that apply to your category. Missing even one document can delay your application.
Documents Required by Youth Applicants
Youth applicants must fall between the ages of 18 and 34 years. The business must also have majority ownership by youth to qualify. Prepare original scans of the following documents:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| National Identity Card or Kenyan Passport | Confirms age eligibility (18–34 years) |
| Business Registration Certificate or Certificate of Incorporation | Proves the business exists legally |
| CR12 (for limited companies) | Obtained from the Registrar of Companies — must be system-generated |
| Partnership Deed | Required only for partnership businesses |
| Tax Compliance Certificate | Obtained from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) |
| NCA Letter or Certificate | Required only if applying under the construction category |
Youth-owned enterprises must register as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited company at the Attorney General’s office. The business must be a legal entity before you apply.
Documents Required by Women and Persons with Disabilities
Women applicants and persons with disabilities share a similar document checklist, with one key difference—persons with disabilities must include an extra registration document from the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).
For Women:
- National Identity Card or Kenyan Passport
- Business Registration Certificate or Certificate of Incorporation
- CR12 from the Registrar of Companies (system-generated soft copy) — for limited companies only
- Partnership Deed — for partnership businesses only
- Tax Compliance Certificate from KRA
- National Construction Authority (NCA) letter or certificate — for construction-related applications only
For Persons with Disabilities:
Persons with disabilities need all the documents listed above for women, plus:
- A registration document from the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD)
This NCPWD document is what separates this category from the others. Make sure you register with NCPWD first and obtain this document before you proceed with your AGPO application.
How To Apply For Your AGPO Certificate Step by Step
Once you have all your documents ready, follow these steps to complete your AGPO registration successfully.
Step 1 — Register your business. Visit the Attorney General’s office and register your business as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited company. The business must have majority ownership by youth, women, or persons with disabilities to qualify.
Step 2 — Get a partnership deed or CR12. If you run a partnership, hire a lawyer to draft a partnership deed. If you run a limited company, obtain a CR12 from the Registrar of Companies.
Step 3 — Register with KRA and get a tax compliance certificate. Visit the Kenya Revenue Authority website to acquire a Personal Identification Number (PIN) and apply for a tax compliance or tax exemption certificate.
Step 4 — Obtain professional certifications where required. Depending on your business sector, you may need certifications from bodies such as:
| Regulatory Body | Relevant Sector |
|---|---|
| National Construction Authority (NCA) | Construction |
| Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) | Insurance |
| Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) | Accounting |
| Law Society of Kenya (LSK) | Legal Services |
| National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) | Environmental Services |
| Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) | Energy Sector |
Step 5 — Open a business bank account. You must open a bank account in the name of your business and obtain a bank reference letter from your bank.
Step 6—Register online or visit a Huduma Centre. Go to www.agpo.go.ke and complete your registration online. If you need help, visit your nearest Huduma Centre and ask for assistance.
AGPO Contact Information
If you encounter any challenges during your application, reach out to the AGPO office directly.
| Contact Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Physical Address | Treasury Building, 6th Floor, Harambee Avenue, Nairobi |
| Phone | +254 20 225 2299 / 316 433 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | www.agpo.go.ke |
Getting your AGPO certificate opens the door to a reserved 30% of government procurement opportunities. With the right documents and a legally registered business, you can complete the process smoothly and start bidding for government contracts today.
