Getting the AGPO Certificate: A Practical Guide to Access Government Procurement Opportunities (Kenya)

Introduction

The Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) program is a Kenyan government initiative that sets aside a portion of public procurement for women, youth, and persons with disability. This guide explains how to obtain the AGPO certificate and start accessing these opportunities.

Why AGPO matters

• Helps smaller, locally owned businesses compete for government contracts.
• Promotes inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in public procurement.
• The certificate signals eligibility to participate in AGPO-enabled opportunities.

Who qualifies for AGPO

AGPO is designed for businesses led or meaningfully owned by women, youth, or persons with disability. Eligibility generally includes:

• Ownership and control by an eligible group (e.g., women, youth, or PWD).
• A registered Kenyan business (sole proprietorship, partnership, or company).
• Compliance with basic regulatory requirements (as applicable to the business).

Eligibility criteria

• The business should be registered and active in Kenya.
• The owners or controlling shareholders should belong to the eligible groups.
• The program aims to improve access to government procurement opportunities for eligible businesses.

What is the AGPO certificate

The AGPO certificate is a government-issued credential that confirms a business’s eligibility to participate in AGPO-related procurement opportunities. It helps vendors access reserved or prioritized bids in government tenders.

What the certificate enables

• Participation in AGPO-reserved or prioritized procurement opportunities.
• Better visibility in government bidding portals and tender notices.

Required documents

Gather these documents before applying:

• Kenyan national identity documents for owners (IDs) and any partners or directors.
• Registered business documents (Certificate of Incorporation/Registration, CR-12 or equivalent).
• Tax documents (Tax Compliance Certificate or equivalent, if required locally).
• PIN (Personal/Business) and other identification numbers as requested.
• Evidence of ownership and control by eligible groups (e.g., shareholding or voting rights breakdown).
• Contact and banking details for the business (as requested).

Step-by-step guide to apply

1. Verify eligibility: Confirm that your business is led or owned by an eligible group and is registered in Kenya.
2. Prepare documents: Compile the required IDs, business registration papers, and ownership details.
3. Access the official AGPO enrollment portal: Use the government’s procurement portal or the AGPO enrollment site.
4. Complete the application: Fill in business information, owners, and ownership structure, and upload documents.
5. Submit and wait for review: The responsible office will review your application and contact you with a decision.
6. Receive the AGPO certificate: If approved, you’ll be issued the AGPO certificate and can start pursuing AGPO opportunities.

Maintaining and renewing your AGPO status

• Keep business information up to date in the AGPO records.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with Kenyan regulatory requirements (tax, registrations).
• Some programs require periodic renewal or revalidation; monitor notifications from the AGPO office.

Where to apply and get help

• Use the official AGPO enrollment portal or the government public procurement information portal.
• If you have trouble accessing the portal or need guidance, contact the AGPO support desk or your local procurement/regulatory office for assistance.
• Check for any updates or changes in requirements from the National Treasury or the relevant government department overseeing procurement.