Single Business Permit Requirements in Kenya, Licencing Body
Summary of Requirements
- Registered business name or company name
- Business registration number
- Physical address of business premises
- KRA PIN certificate
- National ID or passport (3 copies)
- Completed BR-1 application form
- Fire safety certificate (required for all businesses)
- Payment of permit fees (varies by business type, size, and location)
Key Contacts
- Nairobi County Business Permits: +254 0725-624489 / +254 0202224281
- Nairobi County Email: info@nairobi.go.ke
- Call Centre: 0709 014 747
- Kenya Investment Authority: +254 730 104 210 / +254 730 104 200
- Kenya Investment Authority Email: info@invest.go.ke
- Address: City Hall, P.O Box 30075, Nairobi 00100
What is a Single Business Permit?
A Single Business Permit is mandatory for operating any business in Kenya and ensures compliance with established regulations for specific business types. The unified business permit consolidates multiple licenses including a trading license, fire clearance certificate, advertising signage license, health certificate, and food hygiene license.
The permit is issued under the County Government Act No. 17 of 2012 and serves as legal authorization for businesses to operate within county jurisdictions. It has replaced the previous system where entrepreneurs had to obtain multiple licenses from different offices, streamlining the entire licensing process into one unified package.
Licensing Body
County governments across Kenya are responsible for issuing single business permits to businesses operating within their jurisdictions. Each of Kenya's 47 counties has its own licensing department that handles business permit applications and renewals. The type of permit issued depends on factors such as geographical location, number of employees, business type, and business activities.
For Nairobi County specifically, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has been appointed as the principal agent for collecting county revenue, including business permit fees. Applications can be processed through county offices or online portals provided by individual counties.
Required Documents
Before applying for a Single Business Permit, business owners must ensure they have registered their business or company. The essential documents required include:
The business registration certificate and number are fundamental requirements, as the permit cannot be issued to unregistered entities. Applicants need three passport photographs, two copies of the CR14 name reservation form, statement of particulars, and four copies of their identity card.
A KRA PIN certificate is mandatory for all business permit applications. This demonstrates tax compliance and links the business to the national revenue system. The physical address must be verifiable as county officials conduct site inspections to determine appropriate permit fees.
All businesses must be fire safety certified, requiring at least a fire extinguisher and other safety equipment as advised by fire safety inspectors. After inspection, businesses receive a Fire Safety Certificate, which is necessary for permit approval.
Application Process
The application process begins at the county ward office where applicants receive and complete the BR-1 application form from the ward licensing officer. After form submission with all required documents, ward officers conduct a physical inspection of the business premises within one day.
The inspection visit determines the permit fees based on business size, type, and location. The completed BR-1 form is then stamped and forwarded to the main county licensing office, such as City Hall in Nairobi. At the main office, the form undergoes approval and data entry into the single business permits database.
An invoice is generated showing the exact amount payable. Payment can be made at county cash offices, through online portals, or via mobile money platforms. Once payment is confirmed, the permit is issued and must be displayed prominently at the business premises as required by law.
Online Application
Several counties including Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Uasin Gishu have self-service portals for obtaining single business permits. The online process eliminates the need for physical visits to government offices and reduces processing time significantly.
To apply online, business owners create an account on their county's e-services portal using contact details and national identification. After logging in, they navigate to the unified business permit section and select either new application or renewal. The system prompts for business identification numbers and relevant year, then displays company status and applicable fees.
Payment is processed through an e-wallet system where users top up their accounts using mobile money or bank transfers. Upon successful payment, the system generates both the business permit and receipt, which can be downloaded and printed immediately.
Permit Costs
The cost of a Single Business Permit varies based on business type, size, location, and the specific county where operations occur. Urban areas typically charge higher permit fees compared to rural locations. The number of employees and annual revenue also influence the final cost.
Small retail shops may pay between KES 5,000 to KES 15,000 annually, while larger establishments like supermarkets and hypermarkets can pay upwards of KES 90,000. Service businesses such as barbershops, salons, and restaurants have their own fee structures. Manufacturing businesses and those requiring special licenses face different rate cards.
Each county publishes its fee structure annually, and businesses should consult their specific county government for accurate, current rates. Late renewal attracts penalties, which are added to the base permit cost.
Renewal Requirements
Business permits must be renewed annually before expiration. Failure to renew and continuing operations constitutes an offense punishable by a fine up to KES 50,000, imprisonment for up to three months, or both. The renewal process mirrors the initial application but is typically faster since the business is already registered in the system.
Business owners can renew online by logging into their county portal, entering their business identification number, and selecting the renewal option. The system displays any outstanding balances, penalties for late payments, and the current year's fees. After payment confirmation, the renewed permit is available for download.
For physical renewal, businesses visit county cash offices with their previous permit and make payments based on invoices generated. The renewed permit is issued upon confirmation of payment and must be displayed at the business premises.
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