Requirements, class guide, process and compliance support.
Practical NCA registration support for contractors across Kenya
Biz Brokers Kenya supports contractors with class selection, document planning, application filing, renewals, and ongoing compliance support.
Whether you are applying for NCA 1, upgrading classes, or renewing annually, we help you submit a complete, well-structured file.
NCA hub refreshed for clarity, conversions, and better user navigationHow we handle NCA registration matters
- Class matching: map your project profile to the most suitable NCA class.
- Document strategy: prepare statutory, tax, technical and capacity documents.
- Submission workflow: support filing and track review progress.
- Post-approval continuity: advise on renewals, upgrades and compliance timelines.
NCA registration requirements in Kenya (general checklist)
Most contractor applications require the following baseline documents and capacity evidence:
- Certificate of Registration or Certificate of Incorporation and CR12 (where applicable).
- Valid KRA PIN and Tax Compliance Certificate aligned to the applicant entity.
- Director or partner IDs, contacts, and valid company address details.
- Technical staff credentials, CVs, and relevant professional qualifications.
- Business permit and other statutory licences where applicable.
- Capacity evidence for target class (financials, equipment, past works, staffing profile).
- Any sector-specific or specialization licences required for your work category.
Foreign contractor note
NCA-1 is generally available to both local and foreign contractors, while NCA-2 to NCA-8 are commonly local-only classes under prevailing practice. Foreign contractor approvals are often project-linked and may require additional compliance documentation.
Timeline and renewal planning
- Completed files are commonly reviewed within a statutory benchmark period (often up to 30 days).
- Most delays are caused by incomplete, expired, or inconsistent documents.
- Annual practising licence renewal should be prepared early to avoid penalties.
NCA categories by project value limits
Use these value bands as a practical class-selection guide by works category.
1) Contractors (Building Works)
| Category | Value Limit (KES) |
|---|---|
| NCA 1 | Unlimited |
| NCA 2 | Up to 500,000,000 |
| NCA 3 | Up to 300,000,000 |
| NCA 4 | Up to 200,000,000 |
| NCA 5 | Up to 100,000,000 |
| NCA 6 | Up to 50,000,000 |
| NCA 7 | Up to 20,000,000 |
| NCA 8 | Up to 10,000,000 |
2) Electrical / Mechanical Engineering Services
| Category | Value Limit (KES) |
|---|---|
| NCA 1 | Unlimited |
| NCA 2 | Up to 250,000,000 |
| NCA 3 | Up to 150,000,000 |
| NCA 4 | Up to 100,000,000 |
| NCA 5 | Up to 50,000,000 |
| NCA 6 | Up to 20,000,000 |
| NCA 7 | Up to 10,000,000 |
| NCA 8 | Up to 5,000,000 |
3) Roads, Water and Other Civil Works
| Category | Value Limit (KES) |
|---|---|
| NCA 1 | Unlimited |
| NCA 2 | Up to 750,000,000 |
| NCA 3 | Up to 500,000,000 |
| NCA 4 | Up to 300,000,000 |
| NCA 5 | Up to 200,000,000 |
| NCA 6 | Up to 100,000,000 |
| NCA 7 | Up to 50,000,000 |
| NCA 8 | Up to 20,000,000 |
NCA contractor class pages (NCA1–NCA8)
Use the class-specific pages below for targeted checklists and guidance:
- NCA 1 Registration in Kenya — large capacity and high-value works.
- NCA 2 Registration in Kenya — upper-tier local contractor class.
- NCA 3 Registration in Kenya — medium-to-large project category.
- NCA 4 Registration in Kenya — mid-scale contractor profile.
- NCA 5 Registration in Kenya — common growth-stage contractor class.
- NCA 6 Registration in Kenya — entry-to-mid expansion pathway.
- NCA 7 Registration in Kenya — popular entry class for many contractors.
- NCA 8 Registration in Kenya — starter/micro contractor category.
How to apply for NCA registration. : Application process step by step
- Assess the correct class: map work type and project value to NCA class.
- Prepare complete documents: statutory, tax, technical and capacity evidence.
- Submit application: file with required forms and attachments.
- Respond to clarifications: address review queries quickly and accurately.
- Approval and licensing: receive registration and maintain valid practising status.
- Renew and upgrade: renew annually and upgrade class as capacity grows.
Official source
For official notices, portal updates and contractor validation, use the National Construction Authority website:
Frequently asked questions
Is NCA registration mandatory before carrying out construction works?
Yes. Contractors are expected to hold valid registration and relevant practising status before undertaking regulated works.
Can foreign contractors register under all NCA classes?
NCA-1 is generally open to local and foreign contractors, while NCA-2 to NCA-8 are commonly local-contractor classes under current practice.
How long does NCA registration usually take?
Complete applications are often reviewed within a statutory benchmark window, commonly up to 30 days, but timing depends on document quality and verification needs.
Can I upgrade from one class to another?
Yes. Class upgrades are possible where target-class requirements are met and supporting evidence is provided.
Do I need annual renewal?
Yes. Practising licences are renewed annually and should be filed on time to avoid late-penalty exposure.
Start your NCA application with a clear class and document plan
Share your contractor profile, work category, and target timeline. We will help you map the right class and next submission steps.
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