A Homestay Licence is required by homeowners in Kenya who offer overnight accommodation to paying guests within their primary residence. The licence is issued by the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) under the Tourism Act, 2011, and is categorised under Class “A” tourism enterprises. Homestays are popular with travellers seeking authentic cultural experiences, and TRA licensing ensures minimum safety and quality standards are maintained.
Homestay licences are issued in three categories — Economy, Standard, and Executive — with fees varying by category. The application is made through the TRA website and requires only three key documents.
Homestay Licence Fees (TRA — Tourism Enterprises Regulations, 2024)
| Homestay Category | Application Fee (KES) | Annual Licence Fee (KES) | Total (KES) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | 500 | 5,000 | 5,500 |
| Standard | 500 | 10,500 | 11,000 |
| Executive | 500 | 16,000 | 16,500 |
Required Documents
- National Identity Card of the homeowner
- KRA PIN of the enterprise
- Certificate of Good Conduct
Application Process
- Sign up on the Tourism Regulatory Authority website.
- Fill in the application form and select the appropriate homestay category.
- Pay the licence fee through TRA’s payment gateway.
- Wait for TRA to verify the application.
- Receive the licence via email on approval.
Contact: Tourism Regulatory Authority | tra.go.ke | trims.tourismauthority.go.ke | Tel: 0709 389 000
