The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) regulates all energy sector players in Kenya, and electrical contractor licensing is a legal requirement under the Energy Act. Working without a valid EPRA license is illegal and punishable by fines up to KES 1 million, business closure, or criminal prosecution.

Core Requirements for Electrical Contractor License Application

EPRA Outlines Requirements & Costs For Licensing Contractors

Company Documentation

Document Requirement Details
Certificate of Incorporation Certified copy for companies, or Business Registration Certificate for sole proprietors 
CR12 Document Company search not older than 12 months showing directors' names 
KRA PIN Certificate Certified copy for the company 
Tax Compliance Certificate Valid and updated 
Single Business Permit/Trading License Valid business permit from county government 
Proof of Office Lease agreement or title deed showing permanent office premises 
Director IDs Certified copies of national IDs for Kenyan directors, or passports and work permits for foreign directors 

Licensed Electrical Worker Requirements

  • Valid electrician license – Must be class equal to or lower than what you're applying for

  • Signed consent letter – Electrical worker consent letter in Annex 1 format, signed and notarized

  • License class restriction – The electrical worker's license class must not exceed the class the contractor is applying for

  • At least two referees – Licensed electricians of the same or higher class as the license applied for

Tools and Equipment for Inspection

During the licensing inspection, applicants must provide mandatory instruments and tools:

Tool Required License Classes
Phase rotation/sequence meter Classes A1, A2, B, and C1 
Earth loop impedance tester Classes A1, B, and C1 
Insulation resistance tester All classes 
Earth resistance tester All classes 
Clamp meter or multimeter All classes 

Additional Required Equipment

  • Electrician toolbox

  • Safety gear and equipment (overalls, reflectors, harnesses)

  • Appropriate climbing equipment

  • Drilling machines

  • Hand tools (spanners, screwdrivers, pipe wrenches, torque wrench)

  • Office accessories (computers and printers)

License Classes and Application Fees

License Class Application Fee (KES) Renewal Fee (KES)
Class A1 1,000 5,000 
Class A2 1,000 5,000 
Class B 750 3,000 
Class C1 500 2,000 
Class C2 250 500 

Annual renewal fees range from KES 500 to 5,000 depending on class.

How to Apply for EPRA Electrical Contractor License

Step-by-Step Application Process

  1. Visit EPRA website: www.epra.go.ke and click on Online Services Portal

  2. Create business account: Click "Create Account" and select "Create Business Account" option

  3. Activate account: Receive activation link via registered email and click to activate

  4. Log in: Use username and password to access business account

  5. Select license type: Choose "Electrical Contractor License" option

  6. Fill bio data: Complete company, director, and staff details

  7. Select license class: Choose the class you're applying for (must be equivalent to or lower than your licensed electrical worker's class)

  8. Add referees: Fill in details of at least two licensed electrician referees (same or higher class)

  9. Upload documents: Attach all required company documents and scanned copies

  10. Pay application fee: Choose M-PESA or bank deposit option and pay guided fee

  11. Submit application: Submit for review and receive acknowledgment message

Processing Time and Inspection

  • Processing time: Contractor applications are typically reviewed within 30 working days

  • Inspection: Mandatory inspection of tools and instruments during licensing process

  • License verification: Once issued, licenses can be checked online

License Renewal Requirements

All EPRA licenses must be renewed annually by 31st March:

Renewal Requirements

  • Copy of ID (for workers) or company documents (for contractors)

  • Previous license certificate

  • Updated tax compliance certificate

  • Renewal fee (KES 500–5,000 depending on class)

Renewal Steps

  1. Log in to EPRA online portal

  2. Navigate to License Management → My Licenses

  3. Click "Renew License" and upload updated documents

  4. Pay renewal fee and submit application

Late renewals attract a 50% penalty.

Contact Information

  • Email: info@epra.go.ke

  • Phone: 0709336000 / 0202847000

  • Address: Eagle Africa Centre, Longonot Rd, Upperhill, Nairobi

  • Website: www.epra.go.ke

By meeting these requirements and maintaining compliance, electrical contractors can operate legally in Kenya while ensuring safety and technical standards are met for all electrical installations and repairs.

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