A Food Hygiene Licence is issued to food business premises by the county government’s public health department (or Port Health Services at international entry points). It is a mandatory requirement for any business that handles, prepares, processes, or sells food to the public — including restaurants, hotels, food kiosks, processing plants, and milk premises.
The licence is grounded in the Public Health Act (Cap 242) and enforced at county level. Fees vary by county and by the nature and scale of the food business. County governments integrate the food hygiene licence into the broader Single Business Permit in some counties (such as through Nairobi’s Unified Business Permit), while others issue it separately.
Food Hygiene Licence Fees (Approximate)
| Business Type | Estimated Annual Fee (KES) |
|---|---|
| Small food kiosk / vibanda | 1,500–3,000 |
| Medium food business (restaurant, café) | 5,000–10,000 |
| Large food processor / manufacturer | 10,000–20,000+ |
| Port Health Services food hygiene licence | Varies by Port |
| Application / inspection fee (general) | 1,000–3,000 |
Supporting Documents Required
| Document | Source | Cost (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| Food Hygiene Certificate (per employee) | County Health Facility | 700–1,000 |
| Medical Certificate | Approved Clinic | 500–1,000 |
| Business Registration Certificate | eCitizen / BRS | Varies |
| Fire Safety Certificate | County Fire Department | ~3,000 |
Fees and exact procedures vary by county. Always confirm the current schedule with your local county public health officer. Applications are typically submitted at the county public health offices or via the county’s online service portal.
Contact: Ministry of Health, Afya House, Cathedral Road, Nairobi | Tel: +254 20 2717077
