The Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) program is a game-changer. It reserves 30% of government tenders for youth, women, and persons with disabilities. But here’s the catch — many qualified businesses still fail to qualify.
Why? Because they make simple but costly mistakes during the application process.
Let’s uncover the most common errors so you can avoid them and win.
1. Not Registering the Business Properly
Before AGPO certification, your business must be:
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Registered on eCitizen as a sole proprietor, partnership, or limited company
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Holding a valid business name certificate
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Assigned a KRA PIN
📌 Fix: If you haven’t registered, start here → Top Business Registration Services in Kenya
2. Missing Out on KRA Tax Compliance
A valid Tax Compliance Certificate from KRA is mandatory.
📌 Fix: Log into iTax and apply. Clear any outstanding taxes first.
3. Submitting Expired Documents
Many SMEs submit expired:
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CR12 forms
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Business permits
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Tax Compliance Certificates
📌 Fix: Always verify document expiry dates before submission.
4. Skipping Required Personal Documents
Applicants often forget:
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National ID copies
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Passport-size photos
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Affidavits (for youth/women ownership)
📌 Fix: Compile a full list based on your category (Youth, Women, PWD).
5. Inconsistent Information Across Documents
Mismatched business names, PINs, or addresses across documents = automatic disqualification.
📌 Fix: Audit your records and standardize all details before applying.
6. Poor Scanning Quality for Uploads
Blurry or incomplete scanned documents lead to rejection.
📌 Fix: Scan all docs clearly, name them properly, and keep file sizes reasonable.
7. Applying Without Proper Ownership Structure
AGPO requires:
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100% youth/women/PWD ownership
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At least 70% directorship/shareholding under that category
📌 Fix: Review your CR12/shareholding structure before applying.
8. Ignoring the Online Application Guidelines
Each step matters. Many skip important stages or upload wrong files.
📌 Fix: Follow instructions on AGPO.go.ke carefully — or use professional help.
9. Failing to Check Email or Notifications
AGPO might request clarifications. Ignoring follow-ups = missed opportunity.
📌 Fix: Use a professional email
10. Not Following Up After Submission
After applying, most entrepreneurs just wait. But a follow-up increases success rates.
📌 Fix: Contact AGPO via the listed email/phone for status updates if delayed beyond 30 days.
Final Tip: Get Notified of Tenders
Once certified, don’t let the tenders pass you by!
✅ Create a FREE Account on Tenders.co.ke
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Receive daily tender alerts
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Filter by youth/women-only tenders
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Download bid templates
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Never miss a deadline again
