Food Hygiene Licence Fees / Charges, Kenya

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

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