A company wishing to carry out export-oriented manufacturing or processing activities within a designated Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Kenya must obtain an EPZ Enterprise Licence from the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA), established under the EPZ Act, Cap. 517 of the Laws of Kenya. This licence covers manufacturing, processing, and commercial activities (such as repackaging, breaking bulk, and labelling) intended primarily for export.
The licence is renewable annually and is issued only to companies operating within a gazetted EPZ zone, currently located at Athi River, Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, Malindi, Voi, and Kimwarer.
EPZ Manufacturing Enterprise Licence Fee Summary Table
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual enterprise licence fee | USD 1,000 | Payable in US dollars; renewal annually |
| Application / processing fee | Varies | Confirm current rate with EPZA |
Fees are set under the Export Processing Zones (Fees) Regulations.
Key Requirements
To qualify, a company must be involved in export-oriented manufacturing, processing, or eligible commercial activities; must have a confirmed export market with at least 80% of annual output exported; and must operate within a gazetted EPZ. There is no minimum capital investment requirement, and any proportion of Kenyan or foreign shareholding is permitted. Approval takes a maximum of 20 working days after submission of all required documents.
Contact
Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA)
Administration Building, Viwanda Road, off Nairobi-Namanga Highway, Athi River
P.O. Box 50563, Nairobi 00200
Tel: +254 713 051 172/3 | Email: info@epzakenya.com
Website: epzakenya.com
