Kenya continues to solidify its position as a strategic business hub in Africa, attracting foreign investors through its growing economy, ambitious infrastructure projects, and increasing regional influence. This momentum, coupled with the government’s strong emphasis on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), has driven the evolution of regulatory frameworks, particularly in the public procurement space.

In line with this, a significant development with far-reaching implications is the full rollout of the e-Government Procurement (e-GP) system. Under this new regime, all entities (including local and foreign suppliers, contractors, and consultants) must register on the e-GP platform to participate in public tenders. The system marks a major shift in how procurement is conducted in Kenya, emphasizing digitization, transparency, and accountability.

Understanding the e-GP System

The e-Government Procurement (e-GP) system is Kenya’s centralized digital platform for managing public procurement processes. It enables online end-to-end handling of procurement functions, from tender publication and bid submission to evaluation and contract award.

In a notice dated 25^th June 2025, the National Treasury directed that all suppliers, contractors, and consultants must register on the e-GP portal (www.egpkenya.go.ke) to participate in government procurement. The directive clearly stated that only procurements processed through this platform will be recognized, making registration a non-negotiable compliance requirement. This shift eliminates manual tender processes and demands higher governance standards from international participants.

What Foreign Companies Must Do

To comply with Kenya’s updated procurement regulations, foreign companies must undertake the following:

• Register as a Foreign Company with the Registrar of Companies in Kenya (if not already registered);
• Appoint a Kenyan-based Local Representative;
• Provide a physical and postal address in Kenya and obtain a KRA PIN;
• Submit required documents, including a certificate of incorporation, directors’ identification documents, and board resolutions;
• Obtain a Single Business Permit and a Tax Compliance Certificate (where applicable);
• Complete registration on the e-GP portal and secure access credentials.

Failure to meet these requirements will render a foreign company ineligible to participate in government tenders, regardless of past experience or capabilities.

Why Local Representative Services Are Essential

Under Kenyan law, foreign companies looking to engage in business in the country must appoint a Local Representative. This is not merely a formality; it is a legal requirement that ensures the company’s accountability, legal standing, and ability to respond promptly to regulatory matters.

At Scribe Services Secretaries, our Local Representative Services include:

• Acting as the official point of contact for all regulatory communications;
• Managing compliance with the Companies Act, cap 486, and applicable procurement laws; and
• Facilitating statutory filings with BRS.

How Scribe Services Secretaries Can Assist

As a leading corporate services provider in Kenya, Scribe Services Secretaries offers tailored Local Representative Services that go beyond basic compliance. We help foreign entities meet all statutory and procedural requirements necessary for successful market entry and procurement participation.

Our services include:

• Acting as your official Local Representative in Kenya;
• Facilitating registration on the e-GP platform;
• Coordinating with BRS and KRA for company registration and tax compliance;
• Supporting governance processes, including board resolutions and legal documentation.

Through our affiliate company, Scribe Services Registrars Limited, we further offer complementary services such as immigration support, payroll processing, ESG advisory, and corporate governance training.

Final Thoughts

The implementation of the e-GP system marks a major milestone in Kenya’s journey toward more transparent, efficient, and digitally enabled public procurement. For foreign companies, this creates vast new opportunities, but only if registration and compliance requirements are met.

At Scribe Services Secretaries, we are committed to making your entry into the Kenyan market smooth, strategic, and compliant. Whether you're bidding for your first public contract or expanding your presence in East Africa, we’re here to support every step of the way.

Contact us today to learn more about our Local Representative Services and how we can help you successfully navigate Kenya’s evolving business environment.