Kenya has established comprehensive legal requirements for handling refrigerant gases to protect the ozone layer and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These regulations are enforced by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and aligned with international agreements like the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment.

Key Regulatory Framework

Regulation/Agreement Purpose Implementation Date
Environmental Management and Coordination (Controlled Substances) Regulations, 2007 Regulates production, trade, and usage of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and F-gases 2007 
Montreal Protocol on Ozone-Depleting Substances Global phase-out of harmful refrigerants Kenya ratified in 1990s 
Kigali Amendment to Montreal Protocol Phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) Kenya committed to phasedown schedule 
NEMA HCFC Phase-Out Notice Complete HCFC phase-out by January 2026 2025 is final year for HCFC imports 

1. Import License Requirement

Requirement Details
Who Needs It All importers of refrigeration and air conditioning gases 
Where to Apply Kenya Electronic Single Window System (e-Citizen portal) 
Deadline 28th February annually for import licenses 
HCFC Import Quota 2025 Kenya eligible for 171.6 tonnes under quota system 
Phase-Out Date January 1, 2026 – complete ban on HCFC imports 
Penalty Importing without valid license is an offence under the Controlled Substances Regulations 2007 

2. No Illegal Refrigerants

Prohibited Refrigerants Key Restrictions
Unmanaged refrigerants Must be managed under F-Gas Quota regulations 
REACH non-compliant gases Must comply with REACH regulations 
Disposable banned cylinders Illegal to use disposable cylinders for refrigerants 
HCFCs after Jan 2026 100% phase-out mandatory starting January 1, 2026 

DO NOT buy illegal refrigerants that are not managed under F-Gas Quota regulations.

3. Technician Certification & Training

While Kenya doesn't yet have a formal F-Gas certification body like the UK's REFCOM, technicians must:

Requirement Details
Formal Training Complete certified refrigeration and air conditioning training (e.g., Certificate/Diploma from NITA-accredited institutions) 
TVET Certification Kenya Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) certification in Refrigeration & Air Conditioning 
OHS Certification Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) recommended 
International Certifications Many Kenyan technicians hold EPA 608 Universal Certification for international compliance 
F-Gas Awareness Training must include F-Gas regulations and Kenyan occupational health and safety requirements 

4. Refrigerant Recovery & Recycling

Requirement Details
Recovery Required When ODS/F-gas refrigerant is removed from equipment, it must be properly recovered 
No Venting Vapour recovery systems must be used to prevent refrigerant venting 
Certified Personnel Recycling must be carried out by certified or trained personnel 
Record Keeping Maintain records of refrigerant recovery, recycling, and reclamation 

5. Company & Business Licensing

Requirement Details
NEMA Business License Refrigeration/AC businesses must obtain NEMA licensing via e-Citizen portal 
Environmental Impact Assessment Large-scale refrigeration contractors may need EIA approval 
Trade Licenses County government business/trade licenses required for operating AC/refrigeration businesses

HCFC Phase-Out Timeline in Kenya

Year Milestone Status
2025 Final year for HCFC imports Quota: 171.6 tonnes 
January 1, 2026 100% HCFC phase-out Complete ban on HCFC importation 
2030 Montreal Protocol ozone-depleting substances phase-out deadline Kenya aims to phase out 4 years early 
2032 Use of new high-GWP refrigerants (GWP > 750) for repairs prohibited For stationary refrigeration equipment 

Reporting Requirements

Requirement Details
Annual ODS Consumption Data Report to the Ozone Secretariat (UNEP) 
Annual HFC Consumption Data Report phasing down HFCs per Kigali Amendment 
Import/Export Data Report production, import, export, or destruction of fluorinated greenhouse gases 

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Violation Penalty
Importing refrigerants without valid license Offence under Environmental Management and Coordination (Controlled Substances) Regulations, 2007 
Using HCFCs after January 2026 Violation of NEMA phase-out regulations 
Venting refrigerants Environmental sanctions and fines 
Recycling by uncertified personnel Indictment under Environmental Code 
Late reporting to EU registers Environmental sanction fees 

Best Practices for Compliance

✅ Only use NEMA-licensed refrigerant suppliers
✅ Verify refrigerant cylinders are not disposable/banned
✅ Train technicians in certified refrigeration programs
✅ Recover all refrigerants during servicing instead of venting
✅ Keep detailed records of refrigerant purchases, usage, and recovery
✅ Transition to environmentally friendly refrigerants (e.g., R-410A, R-32, natural refrigerants)
✅ Apply for 2025 HCFC import licenses before February 28, 2025 (if applicable)

Contact & Licensing Information

Agency Contact
Agency Contact
NEMA Licensing e-Citizen portal: https://ecitizen.go.ke 
NEMA Website https://www.nema.go.ke
Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) For refrigerant quality standards 
Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) For AC efficiency standards 

Kenya's F-Gas regulations are strictly enforced with a complete HCFC phase-out by January 1, 2026. All importers need valid NEMA licenses, technicians must be properly trained and certified, and refrigerant recovery is mandatory. Non-compliance results in legal penalties, fines, and potential criminal charges. By following these regulations, businesses protect the environment, avoid penalties, and transition to sustainable refrigeration practices.

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