Referral Agreement: Key Contract Clauses to Secure in Kenya (2026)

The verdict in three sentences

A verbal referral deal holds while all is well, and collapses exactly when the money arrives. The classic 2026 dispute: the referrer introduces a client, the company signs six months later and claims it owes nothing. Five written clauses prevent 90 % of these conflicts and make the relationship durable.

The five clauses you must never omit

The trigger event is the most poorly drafted clause: "on client payment" protects you, "on signature" exposes you if the client never pays. Always tie your commission to money actually received.

The attribution window, heart of non-circumvention

The attribution window says: "if this prospect signs within 6 to 12 months of my introduction, commission is due, even if the sale closes later." It's what neutralises circumvention.

The Kolonell referral programme: a framework already written

At Kolonell, the referral contract is standardised to spare you these traps. Rates are fixed in advance:

Every lead is traced in our CRM at the introduction date, which materialises your proof of introduction and protects your commission even if signature comes months later.

Mini case study

Amina introduces a showcase-site client to an agency on a simple verbal deal. The client signs KES 90,000 four months later. The agency claims it "already had them on file" and refuses to pay. Without a dated email or traceability clause, Amina has no proof: she loses KES 13,500 (15 %). With a contract providing a 9-month attribution window and a traced lead, that commission was hers without argument.

FAQ

Does a verbal deal count? Legally sometimes, but in practice it's almost impossible to prove. A signed recap email is infinitely better than nothing; a real contract is better still.

What commission rate is normal? A 2026 order of magnitude: 10 to 15 % of the sale, plus 5 % recurring depending on the service. High tickets (institutional) sit closer to 8 %.

What does "non-circumvention" mean? The company agrees not to deal directly with your prospect to deny you commission, for a set period (12-24 months). It's your main protection.

How do I prove I brought the lead? With a timestamped email, a CRM entry or a written introduction. Proof of introduction is what turns a promise into an enforceable right.

When am I paid? Ideally on client payment, not on signature. That way your commission tracks money actually received by the company, not an invoice that could go unpaid.

Let's talk about your project. Join the Kolonell referral programme with a clear contract and commissions of 8-15 % already secured. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.