To start a business in Kenya, you need to have a legal permit. County governments are responsible for issuing these, and in Nairobi, getting one is quite straightforward.
The Nairobi City County Government revises its business permit rates annually. In 2024, these changes have influenced both new registrations and renewals.
Curious about the cost of Nairobi County’s business permit rates? This article details everything regarding the application and renewal process and associated business permit fees.
A business permit is a must-have for operating legally in Kenya to avoid the risk of your business being shut down. You might be asking, though, what exactly does the permit achieve?
Essentially, it acts like a stamp of approval, showing that your enterprise is genuine and meets all the necessary regulations.
Some of the advantages of having a permit include guaranteeing that your business follows the laws and regulations in Nairobi County, helps protect your operations and creates a fair business environment.
Additionally, having a permit gives you access to government services and support programs designed to help entrepreneurs. It also increases your business’s credibility by building trust with customers, suppliers, and partners.
Operating without a valid business permit can lead to big problems. You might face large fines, have your business closed, or even deal with legal issues.
So, applying for and renewing your permit on time is important for keeping your business running smoothly and successfully.
Application Process
There are two options by which one can apply for a business permit in Nairobi. The first is the in-person method whereby you will be required to visit the Nairobi County government offices or designated Huduma Offices.
You will be required to carry some documents with you such as the business registration certificate, KRA PIN certificate and Identification documents. You must also fill in an application form and pay the required fees thereafter.
The other method is the increasingly popular online service delivery method which saves more time and has proven convenient to many.
Access the Nairobi eServices Portal, create an account and follow the instructions to submit your application and make the payment.
Renewal Process
Renewing your business permit is just as important as getting it in the first place. Here are the necessary steps to follow:
- Log in to your Nairobi eServices Portal account
- Navigate to the Business Permits Section
- Select Renew Business Permit
- Enter your permit number and other required details
- Review your information and make the necessary payments
- Download and print your renewed permit
Nairobi County Business Permit Rates
Here’s a clear breakdown of the 2024 Nairobi County business permit rates, organized into different categories depending on the type of business you plan to operate.
| Code | Category | Fee Amount (Sh.) |
| 101 | General Traders, Shop & Retail Services | 120,000 |
| 103 | Micro/Small Scale General Trader | 20,000 |
| 104 | Micro Enterprises | 80,000 |
| 105 | Small Enterprises | 40,000 |
| 110 | Micro General Trader | 15,000 |
| 115 | Small Scale Trader | 5,000 |
| 120 | Kiosk Light or Temporary Construction | 4,000 |
| 125 | Other General Business Shop & Retail Services | 4,000 |
| 130 | Hawkers & Small Traders and Service Providers | 500 |
| 200 | Garages, Motor Dealers & Allied Matters | – |
| 205 | Haulage Trucks above 15 tons | 5,000 |
| 210 | Small Haulage Trucks/Pick-up vans | 2,500 |
| 215 | News agent, books & Stationary dealer | 3,500 |
| 220 | Other informal sector | 2,000 |
| 300 | Transport, Storage & Communications | – |
| 301 | Mega Transport Company | 600,000 |
| 305 | Large Transportation Company | 180,000 |
| 307 | Medium Transportation Company | 35,000 |
| 310 | Small Transportation Company | 25,000 |
| 315 | Courier/Dispatch/Logistics Company | 25,000 |
| 320 | Cargo Handling Company | 7,000 |
| 325 | Large Petrol Filling Station | 30,000 |
| 330 | Medium Petrol Filling Station | 20,000 |
| 334 | Small Petrol Station | 10,000 |
| 340 | Large Cold Storage Facility | 70,000 |
| 345 | Medium Cold Storage Facility | 30,000 |
| 350 | Small Cold Storage Facility | 15,000 |
| 355 | Warehouse/Storage Facility | 30,000 |
| 360 | Container Terminal | 30,000 |
| 362 | Small Storage Facility | 15,000 |
| 364 | Large Private Vehicle Parking | 400,000 |
| 366 | Medium Private Vehicle Parking | 20,000 |
| 368 | Small Storage Facility | 15,000 |
| 370 | Mega Communication Company | 200,000 |
| 375 | Large Communication Company | 100,000 |
| 385 | Medium Communication Company | 50,000 |
| 390 | Small Communication Company | 25,000 |
| 395 | Other Transport, Storage and Communications | 10,000 |
| 400 | Agricultural, Forestry & Fisheries | – |
| 402 | Mega Agricultural Producer, Processor, Dealer, Exporter | 100,000 |
| 405 | Large Agricultural Producer, Processor, Dealer, Exporter | 65,000 |
| 407 | Medium Agricultural Producer, Processor, Dealer, Exporter | 40,000 |
| 409 | Small Agricultural Producer, Processor, Dealer, Exporter | 23,000 |
| 411 | Micro-Agricultural Producer, Processor, Dealer, Exporter | 15,000 |
| 415 | Large mining or Natural Resources Extraction Operation | 290,000 |
| 420 | Medium Mining or Natural Resources Extraction Operation | 100,000 |
| 425 | Small Mining or Natural Resources Extraction Operation | 45,000 |
| 430 | Micro Mining or Natural Resources Extraction Operation | 15,000 |
| 500 | Accommodation and Catering | – |
| 505 | Large High Standard Hotel | 300,000 |
| 510 | Medium High Standard Hotel | 140,000 |
| 515 | Small High Standard Hotel | 70,000 |
| 520 | Large Lodging House, Restaurant And/Or Bar | 85,000 |
| 525 | Medium Lodging House, Restaurant And/Or Bar | 35,000 |
| 530 | Small Lodging House, Restaurant And/Or Bar | 17,000 |
| 534 | Medium Lodging House | 45,000 |
| 536 | Hotel Lodging | 25,000 |
| 540 | Large Restaurant with bar membership/Club | 90,000 |
| 545 | Medium Restaurant with bar membership/Club | 25,000 |
| 550 | Small Restaurant with bar membership/Club | 20,000 |
| 555 | Large Eating House; Snack Bar; Tea House | 33,000 |
| 560 | Large Eating House/Snack Bar/Tea House/Restaurant | 25,000 |
| 565 | Medium Eating House/Snack Bar/Tea House/Restaurant | 20,000 |
| 570 | Small Eating House/Snack Bar/Tea House/Restaurant | 13,000 |
| 575 | Large Bar/Traditional Beer Seller | 20,000 |
| 580 | Medium Bar/Traditional Beer Seller | 15,000 |
| 595 | Small Bar/Traditional Beer Seller | 10,000 |
| 590 | Large Night Club/Casino | 100,000 |
| 595 | Medium Night Club/Casino | 60,000 |
| 597 | Small Night Club/Casino | 40,000 |
| 598 | Other Catering & Accommodation | 10,000 |
| 600 | Professional, Technical and Financial Services, Legal | – |
| 635 | Large Financial Services | 100,000 |
| 640 | Medium Financial Services | 65,000 |
| 645 | Small Financial Services | 40,000 |
| 650 | Large Professional Services Firm | 80,000 |
| 655 | Medium Professional Services Firm | 32,000 |
| 660 | Small Professional Services Firm | 12,000 |
| 665 | Independent Technical Operator | 100,000 |
| 800 | Scientific Plants, Workshops, Contractors | – |
| 805 | Large Industrial Plant | 150,000 |
| 810 | Medium Industrial Plant | 100,000 |
| 815 | Small Industrial Plant | 50,000 |
| 819 | Mega Workshop | 100,000 |
| 820 | Large Workshop/Service Repair Contractor | 70,000 |
| 825 | Medium Workshop, factory or plant | 40,000 |
| 830 | Small Workshop, factory or plant | 15,000 |