Procurement Methods under the PPADA

Last reviewed 2026-11-04 Applies to: PPADA 2015 Part IX and the 2020 Regulations

Short answer: open tendering is the preferred method. Other methods are allowed only in the situations the Act describes.

Choice of method

Part IX of the Act (from section 91) sets out the methods. Section 92 makes open tendering the preferred method for goods, works and services, and section 91 limits the use of alternatives.

The methods

• Open tendering, national or international.
• Restricted tendering (section 102).
• Direct procurement, with its own conditions and procedure (sections 103 and 104).
• Request for quotations (sections 105 and 106).
• Low value procurement.
• Two-stage tendering and design competition.
• Request for proposals, mainly for consultancy services.
• Electronic reverse auction, framework agreements and competitive negotiations.
• Force account.

What this means for suppliers

Because alternatives are exceptional, a supplier invited under a restricted, direct or quotation method should check that the entity can justify it. Complaints go through administrative review, within strict time limits.

Monetary thresholds and time limits for each method are in the Regulations.

Edition and currency

Last reviewed 2026-11-04. This material refers to the Constitution of Kenya, 2010; the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, No. 33 of 2015, which has been revised and amended since enactment; and the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Regulations, 2020 (Legal Notice No. 69), for which Kenya Law publishes a consolidated version dated 31 December 2022. Laws change, so read the current authoritative text at the links below and check the date of the edition you are using before relying on any provision.

Educational information only. This page is not a substitute for professional legal advice. ComplyBora is an independent educational platform, not a government agency.

Related guides

Official and source references

• PPADA 2015 (National Treasury copy)
• Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Regulations, 2020
• Kabarak Law Review: open tendering as the preferred method
• National Treasury: key procurement methods
• Constitution of Kenya, 2010 (Kenya Law)
• Article 227: Procurement of public goods and services (Kenya Law Reform Commission)
• Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015 (Kenya Law)
• Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Regulations, 2020: Kenya Law consolidated version of 31 December 2022
• Public Procurement Regulatory Authority: legislation
• Kenya Law: case law