Women secure majority of contracts in inclusive government procurement programme
Women received 58.3 per cent of Sh56.8 billion in AGPO tenders in 2024/25, new Treasury and PPRA data shows, as total contracts rose but only 39 per cent of reserved funds were disbursed.
Women were the biggest beneficiaries of government tenders in the 2024/25 fiscal year, securing 58.3 per cent of the total value awarded under the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) programme, according to new data.
The Treasury and Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) report shows that national and county government entities awarded 35,231 tenders worth Sh56.8 billion under AGPO during the year ending June 2025.
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This represents an increase from 31,715 contracts valued at Sh51.18 billion in the 2023/24 fiscal year, creating 3,516 additional opportunities for youth, women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). AGPO is designed to give these groups preferential access to public procurement through deliberate budget allocations.
Of the Sh56.8 billion awarded, women received the largest share, amounting to Sh33.1 billion or 58.3 per cent of the total. State corporations were the biggest contributors, awarding women Sh15.5 billion in tenders, followed by ministries, which granted 3,592 contracts worth Sh5 billion.
Youth benefited from 32.9 per cent of the tenders, equivalent to Sh18.7 billion. County governments awarded youth 3,095 contracts worth Sh7.7 billion, while state corporations issued 4,497 tenders valued at Sh6.2 billion. Persons with disabilities received 8.7 per cent of the total, or Sh4.9 billion, primarily through state corporations, which allocated Sh3.2 billion.
Highest total value
State corporations awarded the highest total value of AGPO contracts, amounting to Sh24.8 billion or 43.7 per cent of the total. Counties followed with Sh17.9 billion, representing 31.5 per cent, while ministries issued Sh7.9 billion worth of tenders.
"Overall, the government had reserved Sh145.27 billion for AGPO during the fiscal year but disbursed only 39 per cent," the report notes.
The AGPO programme, guided by a Presidential Directive, reserves 30 per cent of government procurement opportunities for youth, women, and PWD-owned enterprises. It is a form of affirmative action aimed at empowering these groups through increased access to government business.
Eligibility for AGPO requires legal registration with relevant government bodies, at least 70 per cent membership of youth, women, or PWDs, and leadership composed entirely of these groups.
Required documentation includes identity cards or passports, business registration certificates, PIN/VAT certificates, tax compliance certificates, and, where applicable, partnership deeds, CR12 forms, and professional certifications from authorised bodies.
Businesses can register for AGPO through a six-step process, including registration with the Attorney General’s Office, obtaining necessary legal and tax documents, securing professional certifications, opening a business bank account, and registering online via www.agpo.go.ke or at Huduma Centres.
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