Last reviewed October 2026
- Issued by
- National Construction Authority (NCA)
- Valid for
- One year; renewed annually
- Who needs it
- Every contractor carrying out construction works in Kenya, in the category and class of the work
- Where to apply
- nca.go.ke, through the contractor portal
- Cost
- Registration and annual fees set by the NCA per class; check the current schedule
What it is
The National Construction Authority registers every contractor who carries out building, civil, electrical, mechanical and other construction works in Kenya. Registration is by category, which is the kind of work, and by class, from NCA8 for the smallest contracts up to NCA1 with no limit. The class sets the maximum value of a single contract the firm may take on.
A works tender states the NCA category and the minimum class a bidder must hold, and the certificate is checked at preliminary evaluation.
Who must have it
Any firm that bids for or carries out construction works, including subcontractors. Suppliers of goods and providers of non-construction services do not need it. The categories include building works, roads and other civil works, water works, electrical and mechanical engineering services, and specialist works; register in every category you intend to bid in.
Documents you need
- Certificate of incorporation or registration, CR12 and KRA PIN
- A valid tax compliance certificate
- Academic and professional certificates and CVs of the technical staff the class requires
- Evidence of equipment owned or leased
- Bank statements or other evidence of financial capacity
- Completed projects with completion certificates, for the higher classes and for upgrades
- Anything else the NCA's current requirements list for the category and class
How to apply, step by step
- Create an account on the NCA contractor portal and complete the firm's profile.
- Choose the category and the class you qualify for. The NCA publishes the technical staff, equipment and financial requirements for each class.
- Upload the documents and pay the registration fee shown.
- The NCA assesses the application and may ask for more evidence or an interview.
- On approval, download the certificate. Note its expiry and the class and category it covers.
Renewal and upgrading
The certificate is renewed every year on the portal, with a current TCC and the annual fee. A lapsed certificate means the firm cannot bid for works or lawfully carry them out, so renew before expiry. To bid for larger contracts, apply for an upgrade to a higher class: the NCA looks at completed projects, technical staff, equipment and financial capacity against the requirements of the class you are applying for.
Why bids get thrown out over it
- The firm's class was below the minimum the tender stated for the estimated contract value.
- The certificate was in a different category from the works tendered.
- The certificate had expired, or the renewal was still pending at closing.
- A subcontractor named in the bid held no NCA registration.
How Tendakazi helps
The vault records your NCA category, class and expiry, reminds you before the annual renewal, and our analysts check each works tender's class and category requirement against what you hold. Registration, renewal and class upgrades can be ordered as quoted services; we prepare the evidence and deal with the NCA.
Questions
What do the NCA classes mean?
They set the maximum value of a single contract a firm may undertake, from NCA8 at the bottom to NCA1 with no limit. The NCA publishes the current limits.
How often is NCA registration renewed?
Every year. The certificate carries its expiry date; renew on the portal before it lapses.
Can I register in more than one category?
Yes. Each category is registered and renewed separately, with its own requirements.
How do I move up a class?
Apply for an upgrade on the portal with completed projects, technical staff, equipment and financial evidence that meet the higher class's requirements.
Does a supplier of building materials need NCA registration?
No. Registration is for firms that carry out construction works, not for suppliers of goods.
We handle NCA registration, renewal and class upgrades as quoted services, and the certificate goes into your vault with its expiry watched.
Read next
General information for suppliers, not legal, tax or financial advice. Procurement law, regulations, thresholds and government systems change: check the current rules with the procuring entity, the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA), the National Treasury or KRA, and speak to an advocate or tax adviser about your own case.