eRegulations Kenya

Sectoral Permits

Manufacturing sector

A manufacturer or importer of excisable good is required to obtain a license to manufacture excisable goods before commencement of operations. This licence is issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority and is renewed annually.

Obtain excise stamps

Every package of excisable goods to be manufactured in or imported into Kenya is required to be affixed with an excise stamp except for motor vehicles. These stamps are issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority .

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Postal courier operators licence

Providers of postal and courier services are required to register with the Communication Authority of Kenya. The procedure of obtaining the Postal and courier licence is the same though the categories and licence duration vary.

Type approval of ICT equipment

The Communication Authority of Kenya is mandated to type approve and accept all telecommunications equipment intended to be used within the public telecommunications networks in the country. All entities that wish to market / sell or use communication equipment in Kenya must seek for type approval/acceptance of this equipment.

Telecommunications licences

Network facilities provider licence

Content service provider licence

This is a telecommunications licence issued to a person providing content services either through facilities of Network Facilities Providers and /or services of Application Service Providers. Content services mean information of any kind normally provided at a fee and delivered over electronic communications networks and services. They include financial information services and other information services.

Applications service provider licence

This is a telecommunications licence issued to a person providing application services. Application services are electronic communications services which are normally provided for remuneration and consists wholly or mainly in the conveyance of signals on electronic communications networks including telecommunications and transmission services over electronic communications networks.

Telecommunication's contractor licence

This is a licence issued to a person / entity that wishes to install or maintain a telecommunications system.

Network facility provider licence

This is a telecommunications licence issued to a person building and commercially operating a telecommunication / electronic communications system.

Broadcasting licence

This license grants the licensee permission to use a portion of the radio frequency spectrum in a given geographical area for broadcasting purposes.

International gateway operator licence

This licence authorises the licensee to set up satellite earth stations and /or terrestrial cross-border stations for the transmission and reception of telecommunications traffic from a point(s)in Kenya to points outside the Republic of Kenya. The switching / routing and the network control / operation centre are required to be situated in Kenya.

Frequency spectrum licence

The Communication Authority is mandated to manage the country’s radio frequency spectrum and numbering resources. The authority allocates and assigns electromagnetic spectrum to various radio communication services and users. TV and FM radio broadcasting, cellular mobile telecommunications, satellite communications, aeronautical and maritime radio services as well as emergency and disaster communication services require issuance of a frequency licence.

Energy sector

Petroleum licences

Petroleum storage licence (except LPG)

Before commencement of a petroleum storage (except LPG/) business, one is required to register for a licence from the Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority. This licence is valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance.

Petroleum transport licence

This licence authorizes a business /company to transport petroleum by road in an approved vehicle or vehicles and within a specified area or route. It is issued by the Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority and is valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance .

Import , export and wholesale of fuel oil licence

The Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority issues this licence to a company / business wishing to import ,export and sell petroleum oil in wholesale. It is valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance.

Retail of petroleum products Licence (except LPG)

The Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority issues this licence to a company / business wishing to retail petroleum products. It is valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance.

Storage of crude oil licence

Before commencement of a crude oil storage business, one is required to register for a licence from the Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority. This licence is valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance.

Petroleum transport licence (Railway)

This licence authorizes a business /company to transport petroleum by railway. It is issued by the Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority and is valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance .

Import, export and wholesale of petroleum products (except LPG) licence

Import, export and wholesale of bitumen

Export and wholesale of petroleum products (except LPG) licence

Transport of jet -A1 licence

This licence authorizes a business /company to transport jet A-1. It is issued by the Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority and is valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance .

Export and wholesale of Jet A-1 licence

Bunkering of petroleum products licence(Except LPG)

This licence authorizes a business /company to transport jet A-1. It is issued by the Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority and is valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance .

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) licences

Storage and filling of LPG in cylinders licence

The Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority issues this licence to registered businesses intending to conduct the business of filling and storage of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) in bulk. It is valid for one year and subject to renewal.

Export and wholesale of LPG in bulk licence

This licence is issued by the Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority to a business / company intending to engage in business of wholesale of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG). It is valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance.

Transport of LPG in bulk licence

The Energy Act No. 12 of 2006 forbids the transport of liquified petroleum gas without a LPG transport licence from the Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority. This licence is free of charge and valid for a period of one year from date of issuance.

Wholesale of LPG in cylinders licence

Retail of LPG in cylinders licence

This licence is issued by the Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority to a business / company intending to engage in business of retail of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) in cylinders. It is valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance.

Import, export and wholesale of LPG in bulk licence

Transport of LPG in cylinders licence

Storage and filling of LPG in bulk

LPG cylinders examination

Petroleum construction permit

LPG storage depot construction permit

This permit allows a company / business to construct a LPG storage depot. It is issued by the Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority free of charge and is valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance.

LPG storage and filling facility construction permit

Before construction of an LPG storage and filling facility, one is required to apply for a permit from the Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority. Once all the requirements have been met, the Authority issues the construction permit. The permit is free of charge.

Petroleum pipeline construction permit

Fuel storage depot construction permit

This permit allows a company / business to construct a fuel depot. It is issued by the Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority free of charge and is valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance.

Petrol service station construction permit

This permit allows a company / business to construct a petrol service station. It is issued by the Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority free of charge and is valid f for a period of one year from the date of issuance.

Petroleum refinery construction permit

Crude storage depot construction permit

Fuel consumer site construction permit

Petroleum jetty construction permit

Fuel retail site construction permit

Renewable energy

Solar photovoltaic licence

The Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority issues this licence to persons engaged in the business of manufacture of solar photo voltaic systems and its components. The licence is valid for one year from the date of issue.

Energy audit firm licence

This licence is issued by Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority to firms that intend to specialise in carrying out inspections, surveys and analysis of energy flows for energy conservation in a building, process, or system to reduce the amount of energy input into the system without negatively affecting the output. It is valid for one year from the date of issue.

Solar water heating licence

Any person/ entity who intends to import, distribute, sell, promote or install any solar pv system must obtain a solar water heating licence from the Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

Electricity licences

Electricity generation licence

Energy generating, transmitting or distributing projects including those under the FiT with a capacity above 3 MW must obtain an electricity generation license from the Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) . Projects with a capacity under 1 MW do not need an EPRA clearance and those between 1 MW and 3 MW must obtain an Electricity Permit from EPRA, which is a streamlined license. The license is open-ended and must not be renewed. The applicant has to give a notice of application to the County Government, to EPRA and publish the intention of the project in a newspaper at least 15 days prior to submission of the application.

Electricity generation, distribution and supply licence

Energy generating, transmitting or distributing projects including those under the FiT with a capacity above 3 MW must obtain an electricity generation license from the Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). Projects with a capacity under 1 MW do not need an EPRA clearance and those between 1 MW and 3 MW must obtain an Electricity Permit from EPRA, which is a streamlined license. The license is open-ended and must not be renewed. The applicant has to give a notice of application to the County Government, to EPRA and publish the intention of the project in a newspaper at least 15 days prior to submission of the application.

Electrical technician licence

Electrical technicians are those persons that help create maintain and repair electrical equipment. The Energy &Petroleum Regulatory Authority issues electrical technician licences to the qualified applicants.

Electrical contractor licence

Any entity or a person who does specialized electrical works must be in a possession of an electrical contractor licence. Qualified persons who are holders of certificates/ diplomas and degrees apply for the various categories of this licence from the Energy &Petroleum Regulatory Authority

Driver certification

Agricultural sector

Registering a slaughter house

Slaughter house registrations require several approvals. Firstly, the county government will determine the suitability of the site and advise accordingly; one may be required to apply for a change of user of the land if building a slaughterhouse on the land is contrary to the intended use of the land. The applicant will also be required to obtain architectural plans approvals, Public health approvals and also obtain an Environmental Impact Assessment Licence .

Meat transport permit

This permit is issued by the County Directorate of Veterinary Services to all persons or entities who wish to transport meat from one location to the other.

Veterinary health certificate

Veterinary health certificate is a document that is issued to certify that the animals indicated in the document have been inspected and that they are free from pests and diseases.

Slaughterman licence

A person who slaughters animals for human consumption must be in possession of a slaughter man licence. For one to obtain it they must have a valid food handlers certificate.

Certificate of meat transport

All meat consignments must be accompanied by a certificate of meat transport to ascertain that the meat being transported has been inspected and found fit for human consumption. This certificate is issued by the County Directorate of Veterinary Services.

Registering a hatchery

Registration of a hatchery starts with determining a suitable location for the hatchery by obtaining site approval from the county government. One then seeks architectural plans approvals, public health approvals and also obtains an Environmental Impact Assessment Licence. Once all the approvals have been granted the relevant County Veterinary Services offices grants the applicant authority to construct the hatchery, followed by several inspections to ensure that the construction is as per the agreed guidelines and upon compliance a licence of hatchery registration is granted.

Pig producer licence

Any person or entity that intends to keep/own pigs must obtain a pig producer licence. The licence is issued by the County Directorate of Veterinary Services and is renewed annually.

Stock brand registration

A farmer who intends to have animal brands must have their brands registered with the Directorate of Veterinary Services be issued with brand registration certificate.

Local animal movement permit

Local animal movement permit authorizes movement of domestic animals within the country. Issuance of this licence by the County Directorate of Veterinary Services ensures that there is minimal or no transfer of pests and diseases from one region to the other.

Hides and skins dispatch note

A dispatch note should accompany every hides and skins consignment. The consignment is usually inspected and an inspection report issued together with the hides and skins dispatch note.

Registering a tannery or a banda

A tannery/banda is a place where hides and skins are processed. Before a tannery is registered one is required to get a suitable location and get it approved by the county government. Architectural plans approval, public health approval and an Environmental Impact Assessment Licence will also be required.

Dog licence

The licence requires that all dogs must be vaccinated against rabies. The control of rabies is very important as it is a fatal zoonotic disease preventable through annual vaccination.

Dairy products

The Kenya Dairy Board is responsible for the regulation of the dairy industry. Licensing of milk handling premises is an important activity in regulation of the industry as it facilitates regular inspection of such premises to ensure compliance to milk quality and safety requirements

Cottage industry licence

This licence is issued to traders who receive milk, pasteurize, add value and sell the finished products to customers.

Milk movement permit

Before one can transport raw milk from one point to another, one is required to obtain a movement permit from the Kenya Dairy Board . The milk ought to be sold in bulk to a milk bar or processor. This ensures that the milk movement is regulated and paves way for product traceability.

Milk dispenser licence

Investors wishing to operate milk vending machines are required to obtain a milk dispenser licence from the Kenya Dairy Board.

Mini dairy licence

It is issued to operators whose capacity does not exceed 5000 litres a day. With this licence, the operator is allowed to process a variety of other dairy products

Milk bar licence

This licence is issued to retail milk operators handling low quantities of milk ranging from 50 litres to 1,000 litres per day.

Milk producer licence

It regulates the distribution and sale of milk from the farm to the consumers. It's issued to enable the Board identify producers and certify conformity to laid down consumer safety standards and procedures.

Milk processor licence

This is a licence issued to milk processors whose capacity exceed 5,000 litres a day.

Cooling plant licence

This licence is issued to regulate the handling and distribution of raw milk from cooling plants of various capacities of 5,000 litres and below.

Tourism sector

Tour operator licence

Any entity intending to offer commercial tours and or recreational activities on public land need to have a tour operator's license from Tourism Regulatory Authority. The licence is renewed annually.

Hotel licence

Hotel licence is issued by the Tourism Regulatory Authority upon the applicant meeting all the requirements. The licence is renewed annually.

Tour driver's licence

All tourism service vehicle drivers are required to obtain a tour driver’s licence after undergoing vetting by the Tourism Regulatory Authority . The licence is renewable annually.

Restaurant Licence

A restaurant is a facility that provides food and beverages only without accommodation. Owners of such facilities are required to register with the Tourism Regulatory Authority. The licence is valid for one year and is renewable.

Ballon operators licence (Class C enterprises)

Balloon operators are required to register with the Tourism Regulatory Authority before setting up and operating balloons in Kenya. The Authority will then issue a balloon operators licence which is valid for one year.

Travel Agency Licence

Before commencement of travel agency business, one is required to register with the Tourism Regulatory Authority and have their premises inspected. Once they meet all the requirements, the Authority issues a Travel agency licence which is valid for one year.

Motor vehicle hire licence

Tour operators intending to hire vehicles for tourism use are required to apply for motor vehicle hire licence. The licence is issued by Tourism Regulatory Authority and is valid for one year.

Villa licence

This licence is issued by Tourism Regulatory Authority to investors wishing to set up villas for tourism purposes. It is renewed annually.

Professional safari photographer licence

This licence is issued by the Tourism Regulatory Authority to a person who wishes to film and take professional pictures of Kenya's tourist attractions.

Water sports / boat exercusions Licence

This licence is issued by Tourism Regulatory Authority to investors wishing to provide water sports/ boat excursion services. It is valid for one year and subject to renewal.

Tour leader's Licence( Non-citizens)

Non citizens who are interested in becoming tour leaders in Kenya are required to register with the Tourism Regulatory Authority and be issued with a tour leader's licence.

Vocational hotel classification

Tourism Regulatory Authority periodically undertakes national classification of all regulated tourism activities and services with the aim of ensuring high standards and quality of services. The classification is based on the approved criteria for each set establishment.

Homestay licence

A home stay is a home owner-occupied private residence where the primary aim is residence and the secondary purpose is providing accommodation to a few paying guests. Applicants wishing to provide this type of accommodation to tourists are required to register with the Tourism Regulatory Authority .

Mining sector

Reconnaissance permit

The holder of a reconnaissance permit shall enjoy the non-exclusive rights to conduct reconnaissance for the mineral or minerals in the area specified in the permit.

Prospecting permit

A prospecting permit is a small scale operations permit that grants a person or body corporate the exclusive right to prospect for minerals in the permit area in accordance with an approved programme for prospecting operations. It is valid for a maximum of 5 years.

Geological data

Geological data is available for investors at a certain fee. Click on the link to see the procedure of obtaining the data

Artisanal mining permit

Mineral dealers (processing) licence

Mining permit

A mining permit is a small scale operations permit that gives the holder the right to carry out mining operations in the area specified in the permit.

Reconnaisance licence

Reconnaisance licence gives the holder rights to carry out non-intrusive search for mineral resources by geophysical surveys, geochemical surveys, photo geological surveys or other remote sensing techniques and surface geology excluding drilling and excavations.

Mining licence

A mining licence gives the licence holder the sole right to mine for specified minerals in a specified area. The applicant needs to show identification of a mineral resource before applying for a mining licence.

Retention licence

This licence is issued to holders of a prospecting permit who have identified mineral deposits of potential commercial significance within the prospecting area.

Prospecting licence

This is a large scale operations licence which authorises the holder to carry out prospecting operations. It is valid for 3 years.