Tenders come from three main places: public bodies, corporate and parastatal buyers, and NGOs and donors. Each publishes differently, so a good routine covers all three.
1. Public sector tenders
Government ministries, county governments and state agencies publish tenders on the national public procurement portal and on their own websites, and often in national newspapers. Register your company on the relevant portals and set a regular time to check them.
Kenya also has preferential procurement programmes for eligible groups such as youth, women and persons with disabilities. If your business qualifies, ask the relevant procurement office how to register.
2. Corporate and parastatal tenders
Large companies and state corporations post supplier notices on their websites and in the press. Many keep supplier registers. Registering early means you may be invited to quote when a need arises.
3. NGO and donor opportunities
International organisations and NGOs publish requests for proposals and quotations on their own procurement pages and on aggregator sites for development and humanitarian work. These usually have strict compliance and reporting rules, so documentation matters even more.
Get ready before you find one
- Keep your registration, tax compliance and licences current
- Prepare a company profile and a list of past contracts with references
- Keep team CVs and equipment lists up to date
- Know your bank details and any bid security process
- Set up alerts, and check tender sites on a fixed day each week
Check the source. Always confirm a tender on the buyer's official channel before you spend time or money on it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be registered to bid for government tenders?
Usually yes. Eligibility rules vary by tender and buyer, so read the instructions to bidders carefully.
Can a small business win tenders?
Yes. Many tenders are open to small suppliers, and some are reserved for specific groups. A compliant, clear proposal matters more than company size.