A Cottage Industry Licence is issued to small-scale home-based or micro-enterprise producers engaged in light manufacturing, craft production, food processing, or artisanal trade. It recognises the informal productive sector and provides a legal framework for micro-businesses to operate without the full regulatory burden placed on larger enterprises.
Issuing Authority: County Government / Ministry of Trade and Industrialisation (in some counties)
| Business Type | Annual Fee (KES) |
|---|---|
| Home-based food production | 1,500 – 4,000 |
| Craft and artisan workshop | 1,500 – 5,000 |
| Tailoring and garment making | 2,000 – 5,000 |
| Small-scale soap / cosmetics production | 2,500 – 6,000 |
| Candle / handicraft making | 1,500 – 4,000 |
| Leather goods production | 2,000 – 5,500 |
| Bakery (home-based) | 2,500 – 6,000 |
| Renewal (annual) | Same as original fee |
Holders of a Cottage Industry Licence may also need to register with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) if their annual turnover exceeds KES 1,000,000.