NCA Registration | How to Register to Be a Local Contractor

NCA registration is a must for all contractors in Kenya. This is a complete guide on how to register as a local contractor on the NCA portal. Contractor registration is one of the main functions of the National Construction Authority and is anchored in the law.

According to Section 15 of the National Construction Authority Act No. 41 of 2011, a person shall not carry on a contractor’s business unless the person is registered by the Board under the Act and has a valid practising license.

Who is a Contractor?

A contractor is any individual or organization hired to do work for another individual or organization on a contract basis.

Where do you use the NCA license?

This license will help you carry on your business as a contractor legally. More so, you will require this license when applying for tenders.

The NCA Categories and Annual Registration Charges

There are eight categories that are available for awarding to contractors.

NO	NCA CATEGORY	ANNUAL REGISTRATION FEES
1	NCA1	100,000.00
2	NCA2	75,000.00
3	NCA3	50,000.00
4	NCA4	25,000.00
5	NCA5	20,000.00
6	NCA6	15,000.00
7	NCA7	10,000.00
8	NCA8	5,000.00

There are Five Classes of Works You Can Register for;

1. Building Engineering works.
2. Water works – classified under civil engineering works
3. Road works –  classified under civil engineering works
4. Mechanical Works – classified under specialist engineering services
5. Electrical works – classified under specialist engineering services

Please note that contractors interested in undertaking work under select specialist subclasses will also require licenses from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) and the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) as shown below:

Specialist Subclass	Licensing Body
Electrical Installations. Generating Plants, Lifts and Escalators.	EPRA
Radio Communication Structural Cabling. Telecommunication (PABX, Intercoms and Telephone Wiring).	CA

NCA Account Creation Process

These are the steps to create an account for a new contractor:

• Visit the NCA website.
• Click the ‘Contractors’ tab, then click on ‘Register to be a Contractor’. This will take you to the registration portal. Click on the register button to start creating your account
• Register an account by filling in the requested information in each field.

NCA Registration Process for a Local Contractor

These are the steps to register as a local contractor:

1. Log into your account with your National ID/Passport Number used during the registration process.
2. Click on the ‘New Application’ tab then click on the ‘New Contractor Registration’ option.
3. Fill in all the required sections uploading the necessary documents.
4. Remember to select the category you are applying for.
5. After submission of the online application, a one-time application fee of Ksh 5,000 will be paid, after which the application will be evaluated.

Pay the Registration Fee

• Upon approval of the online application, an invoice will be generated on your application’s status page.
• Click ‘Proceed to make payments’ under the contractor registration payment status section on your status page.
• Choose your preferred payment method and proceed to make payment. The system will verify the E-Citizen payment immediately.
• Upon successful payment, the NCA license and certificate will be made available instantly for download.
• Click ‘Generate’ to view your NCA certificate(s) then select ‘My Licenses/Certificates’ to download them.

Local Contractor NCA Registration Requirements

• Copy of company registration certificate
• ID copies of the director/s
• Copy of certificate of incorporation and CR12 for incorporated companies.
• Academic certificates and testimonials for the technically qualified directors.
• Academic certificates and testimonials for the technically qualified staff.
• A valid KRA Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC).
• A certified copy of the current business license.
• If applying for electrical engineering works, attach a license from the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
• If applying for communication engineering works, attach a license from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK).
• Proof of the firm’s past experience/ongoing project(s) if any.
• Proof of plant, equipment and machine holdings.
• Certified copies proving ownership of assets.
• Three years ‘audited accounts, certified by a person registered with the Institute of Certified Public Accountants (ICPAK) and other relevant financial information.
• If registered with a contractors’ association attach a membership certificate.

Renewal of Practicing License

The NCA practising license must be renewed annually and before 30th June to avoid penalties. However, for one to be able to do so, one must have gone through at least one training. This training is booked and paid for via the NCA portal. The training is available in both physical and virtual modes conducted from various parts of Kenya.

Charges of Defaulters of Renewal

No.	NCA Category	Renewal Fines
1.	NCA1	90,000.00
2.	NCA2	75,000.00
3.	NCA3	60,000.00
4.	NCA4	45,000.00
5.	NCA5	36,000.00
6.	NCA6	30,000.00
7.	NCA7	15,000.00
8.	NCA8	10,000.00