You have completed your Business Registration in Kenya, you have a Certificate of Incorporation/ Business Registration Certificate and CR 12 or CR 13.
Now it’s time to get ready for tendering, but before you begin applying for tenders, there are things you require to make your tendering process easier and avoid the last-minute rush.
1. Web domain
Most people register their companies with Gmail or Yahoo domains, which is okay if you are not tendering. However, if you want to participate in both public and private bidding, you will need a domain. Your domain is the email address you use to communicate with companies, for example,
A domain is not only important for tendering but also necessary to show the authenticity of your company. Most scam companies are using their Gmail addresses, and you need to separate yourself from them.
You can get hosting from various hosting companies at cheap prices, where you pay yearly or monthly charges, depending on your choice. You can get both Web and Email hosting from Kenya Web Experts, their annual charges are around KES1,500. Learn More
2. Office Address
When tendering, you will require a physical address and P.O Box address. This does not mean you must have a physical office to apply for tenders. You can use a virtual office address, there are so many online that can be purchased cheaply. If you don’t have a post office box, you can purchase the Mpost using your phone number, which is quite cheap and convenient. Learn how to register for Mpost here
3. Business Permit
Nowadays, almost all procuring entities are asking for business permits. You need to get a business permit from the city council, depending on your location. You can get that information online through the eregulations Government portal here. For a single business permit, you will pay KES15,000 annually.
4. Pin and Tax Compliance Certificates
These certificates are a must in the tendering process. You can apply them for free on the KRA portal.
5. AGPO Certificate
This only applies to the youth, women, and Persons with Disability (PWD). Most procuring entities will categorize the tenders into two categories Open and AGPO groups. An AGPO Certificate increases your chances to win 30% of the tenders reserved to AGPO program. You can apply for AGPO certificates on here.
6. ETR Machine
When you are tendering, you have the belief that you will win the tender. So, when you win the tender and start supplying goods and services, you will need to create invoices. The invoices must have an ETR. Many shops are selling ETR machines, and you can purchase and take them to any KRA offices for approval.
Conclusion
Those are the major requirements you need before applying for a tender. However, for technical bidding such as construction, you will need other certificates like the NCA certificates. Basically, those are the major things you need to start applying for tenders.