While the hotel business is one of the most profitable businesses to start in Kenya, getting started is not as easy as you would think, given the number of licenses and permits required.

The issue of licensing was cited as a major detriment to the growth of small-medium enterprises (SMEs)  in Kenya, with legislators pushing the government to merge some of these licenses and permits to increase the ease of doing business.

The licenses required include;

County Government License- Every business operating in Kenya must be licensed by the county government. The license must be renewed on an annual basis.

National Government License- It is issued by the national government through the ministry of tourism

Music Copyright License- It is Issued by the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK), permitting the business to play MCSK-licensed music in the establishment.

Signage License- Is issued by the county government, permitting the business establishment to have an outdoor advertising board

How to start hotel business with 40k and make 90k monthly revenues

National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) License-  NEMA certifies that the business meets all the requirements with regard to environmental conservation and waste disposal.

Ministry of Health license- This is issued by the Ministry of Health to certify that the establishment meets all health and safety requirements.

COVID-19 License- The Ministry of Health recently introduced it and certifies that the business has met the COVID-19 prevention requirements.

Business Permit- Issued by the national government through the citizen platform

Liquor Permit– Issued by the county government to permit the hotel to sell alcoholic drinks at the establishment.

Tourism Catering- is issued by the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) to certify that the establishment meets the tourism regulations, standards, and guidelines.

Fire Inspection – Certifies that the business is sufficiently prepared to handle fire breakouts.

Workplace Registration- certifies that the establishment is formally registered with the authorities.

NSSF- The business is expected to provide NSSF cover for every employee working at the establishment.

NHIF- The business is expected to provide NHIF cover for every employee working at the establishment.