Electrical contractors in Kenya must be licensed by EPRA to ensure that all electrical installation work meets safety and technical standards. The Electrical Contractor Licence authorizes businesses to undertake electrical wiring, installations, and maintenance work for various categories of electrical systems.
Licence Application Process
Applications are submitted through EPRA’s online portal. The process includes verification of technical capacity, equipment, and qualified personnel. Contractors must demonstrate possession of required tools and instruments, which are inspected during the licensing process. Applications are typically processed within 30 days.
Fee Structure
EPRA charges application fees for electrical contractor licences based on the licence class:
- Class A1: KES 1,000
- Class A2: KES 1,000
- Class B: KES 750
- Class C1: KES 500
- Class C2: KES 250
The licence class determines the scope and complexity of electrical work the contractor is authorized to perform. Higher classes allow for more complex installations and higher voltage systems.
Documentary Requirements
Applicants must provide:
- Certificate of Incorporation/Business Registration Certificate
- Valid Trading Licence or Single Business Permit
- Proof of ownership of a permanent office
- Certified copies of KRA PIN Certificates and Tax Compliance Certificates
- CR12 not older than one year
- Certified copies of national IDs for Kenyan directors, or passports and work permits for foreign directors
- Copy of a valid electrician licence (for the company’s licensed electrical worker)
- Signed and notarized electrical worker consent letter
- Details of at least two referees who are licensed electricians of the same or higher class
Required Instruments and Tools
During inspection, contractors must provide mandatory equipment:
- Phase rotation/sequence meter (required for classes A1, A2, B, and C1)
- Earth loop impedance tester (mandatory for classes A1, B, and C1)
- Insulation resistance tester (required for all classes)
- Earth resistance tester (required for all classes)
- Clamp meter or multimeter (required for all classes)
- Electrician toolbox, safety gear, and climbing equipment
- Drilling machines and various hand tools
Regulatory Framework and Penalties
Electrical contracting is strictly regulated to prevent electrical accidents. Operating without a valid licence or performing work beyond the authorized class can result in penalties, including fines and licence suspension. EPRA conducts regular inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards.
EPRA’s structured fee system for electrical contractor licences makes the licensing process accessible while ensuring that contractors have the appropriate qualifications and equipment for their scope of work. With application fees ranging from KES 250 to KES 1,000, businesses can enter the electrical contracting sector at an appropriate level and expand their capabilities over time through licence upgrades.
