Summary
- Fire Clearance Certificates are mandatory for all business premises in Kenya, issued by County Government Fire Departments
- The certificate is governed by the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2007
- Applications are processed through the eCitizen platform as part of the Single Business Permit system
- County Fire Officers conduct inspections and prescribe appropriate fire safety equipment
- Certificates must be renewed annually following inspection
- Requirements include adequate fire extinguishing equipment, clear escape routes, and trained staff
- The application process involves online submission, payment, provisional permit issuance, inspection, and final certificate generation
Legal Framework and Licensing Authority
The Occupational Safety and Health Act 2007 provides the legal foundation for fire safety requirements in Kenya, mandating fire prevention measures, safety provisions, and evacuation procedures for all workplaces. County Governments are responsible for regulating and ensuring fire safety through their fire departments, which handle inspection, certification, and enforcement.
Each of Kenya's 47 counties has its own Fire Department that issues Fire Clearance Certificates within their jurisdiction. The certificate forms part of the unified Single Business Permit system introduced to streamline business licensing across the country.
Who Needs a Fire Clearance Certificate
All business entities operating in Kenya are required to have a Fire Safety Certificate, regardless of size or sector. This includes businesses operating from both permanent and temporary premises, from small kiosks to large commercial establishments. Businesses dealing with consumables must also obtain health certificates and food hygiene licenses in addition to the fire clearance.
Fire Safety Requirements
Before obtaining a Fire Clearance Certificate, premises must meet specific safety standards:
Fire Extinguishing Equipment: Businesses must install and maintain appropriate fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment based on the nature of operations. The specific equipment required is determined by County Fire Officers during inspection.
Escape Routes: Every workplace must ensure all employees are familiar with escape routes in case of fire, with clearly marked and unobstructed exits. Fire safety equipment must be readily accessible and free from obstruction.
Fire Risk Assessment: Building owners and occupiers must conduct fire safety risk assessments to identify potential fire hazards, flammable materials, and vulnerable persons. These assessments should be kept current and form the basis for implementing appropriate safety measures.
Staff Training: Employees must receive training on the correct use of fire extinguishing equipment and understand evacuation procedures for their workplace.
Application Process
The application for a Fire Clearance Certificate is now integrated into the Single Business Permit application through the eCitizen platform:
Step 1 - Create an eCitizen Account: Visit the eCitizen portal and create an account using your national ID or business registration number. If you already have an account, simply log in.
Step 2 - Access County Portal: Navigate to your specific county's business permit section. Each county has its own e-services platform linked through eCitizen.
Step 3 - Complete Application Form: Fill in the online Single Business Permit application form, which includes fire safety information. You'll need to provide business details, premises information, and nature of operations.
Step 4 - Submit Required Documents: Upload all required documentation including:
- Business registration certificate
- National ID or passport copy
- Premises ownership or lease agreement
- Building approval documents
- Any other county-specific requirements
Step 5 - Make Payment: Pay the prescribed fees through M-Pesa, credit card, or other available payment methods on the platform. Fire certificate fees are included in the Single Business Permit charges.
Step 6 - Receive Provisional Permit: Upon successful payment, the system automatically generates a provisional permit. Download and print this document.
Step 7 - Premises Inspection: County Fire Officers will inspect your premises and prescribe the appropriate fire extinguishing equipment based on their assessment. They evaluate fire risks, building layout, occupancy levels, and business activities.
Step 8 - Final Certificate Issuance: After inspection approval, the system automatically generates the final Fire Clearance Certificate along with your Single Business Permit. Download and print these documents for display at your premises.
Validity and Renewal
Fire Clearance Certificates must be renewed annually subject to inspection by County Fire Officers. Business owners should initiate renewal before the expiry date to avoid operating without valid certification. The renewal process follows similar steps to the initial application but is typically faster since the premises are already registered in the system.
Renewal involves:
- Logging into your eCitizen account
- Accessing your business profile
- Submitting renewal application
- Paying renewal fees
- Undergoing re-inspection
- Receiving updated certificate
Fees
Fire certificate fees vary by county and are calculated as part of the Single Business Permit charges. The fee structure typically considers factors such as:
- Business category and risk level
- Premises size and occupancy
- Nature of operations
- Location within the county
Contact your specific County Government for current fee schedules.
County Government Contacts
Since fire certification is handled at the county level, businesses should contact their respective County Government offices:
General Inquiry Channels:
- Visit your County Government headquarters
- Access county-specific e-services portals through eCitizen
- Contact county customer service centers
- Visit county fire department offices
Major Counties:
Nairobi City County: Access services through https://epayments.nairobi.go.ke
Mombasa County: Visit https://eservices.mombasa.go.ke for fire certificate information and applications
Kisumu, Kakamega, Nakuru, and other counties: Access respective county portals through the eCitizen main platform
Kenya Investment Authority (for general business licensing information):
- Email: info@investkenya.go.ke
- Phone: +254 730 104 210 / +254 730 104 200
Important Considerations
Display Requirements: Fire Clearance Certificates must be displayed prominently at business premises where they can be easily seen by inspectors and the public.
Inter-County Operations: For businesses operating across multiple counties, particularly transportation businesses, there have been disputes regarding whether certificates from one county should be valid in others. It's advisable to clarify requirements if your business operates in multiple jurisdictions.
Compliance Enforcement: Operating without a valid Fire Clearance Certificate can result in penalties, business closure, or denial of other permits and licenses. County enforcement teams regularly conduct compliance checks.
Integration with Other Permits: The Fire Clearance Certificate is now part of the unified licensing system, meaning failure to obtain it can block your ability to secure other necessary business permits.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Businesses operating without valid Fire Clearance Certificates face:
- Fines and penalties
- Business closure orders
- Inability to renew other licenses
- Legal prosecution under the Occupational Safety and Health Act
- Liability in case of fire incidents
Maintaining current fire safety certification protects both your business operations and ensures the safety of employees, customers, and property.
