A Milk Bar Licence is issued by the Kenya Dairy Board (KDB) to retail outlets that sell pasteurised milk and other dairy products to consumers in small quantities. Milk bars — including milk ATM parlours — typically handle between 50 and 200 litres of milk per day and are found in urban and peri-urban areas across Kenya. As of 2024, there were more than 1,400 licensed milk bars operating countrywide.
The licence is required under the Dairy Industry Act (Cap 336) and associated regulations. Quarterly inspections by KDB are conducted to ensure premises meet hygiene and quality standards. Non-compliance can lead to suspension or cancellation of the licence.
Milk Bar Licence Fees
| Fee Component | Amount (KES) |
|---|---|
| Annual Licence Fee | 2,500 |
| Application Fee | 600 |
| Total Payable | 3,100 |
Full KDB Retail and Premises Licence Schedule
| Licence Type | Annual Fee (KES) | Application Fee (KES) | Total (KES) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milk Bar Licence | 2,500 | 600 | 3,100 |
| Milk Dispenser / Mini Dairy (3,000–5,000 L/day) | 6,000 | 600 | 6,600 |
| Milk Processor (above 5,000 L/day) | 25,000 | 600 | 25,600 |
| Cottage Industry Licence | 4,000 | 600 | 4,600 |
| Cooling Plant Licence | 2,000 | 600 | 2,600 |
| Dairy Manager Licence | 1,500 | 600 | 2,100 |
Application Process
- Contact the nearest KDB office to schedule a preliminary inspection of your premises.
- Rectify any non-compliance issues identified during the inspection.
- Apply online via the KDB Licensing Portal and pay the KES 600 application fee.
- On successful re-inspection, pay the annual licence fee of KES 2,500.
- Download your licence from the portal within 14 days of payment.
Contact: Kenya Dairy Board | portal.kdb.co.ke | Tel: 0722 573 432
