If you operate a milk processing business in Kenya handling between 3,000 and 5,000 litres of milk per day — or you run a milk dispensing unit — you are required to hold a Mini Dairy Licence issued by the Kenya Dairy Board (KDB). This licence is a legal requirement under the Dairy Industry (Registration, Licensing, Cess and Levy) Regulations, 2020, and must be renewed annually.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Mini Dairy Licence fees, related dairy licences, and the application process.
What Is a Mini Dairy Licence?
A Mini Dairy Licence is issued by the Kenya Dairy Board to premises that process between 3,000 and 5,000 litres of milk per day, as well as to operators of milk dispensing units. It sits between the full Processor Licence (above 5,000 litres/day) and the Cottage Industry Licence (farm-level processing), making it the most relevant category for small- to medium-scale urban and peri-urban dairy processors.
The licence is designed to ensure that milk handling at this scale meets Kenya’s food safety and quality standards, and that premises are subject to regular KDB inspections.
Mini Dairy Licence Fees
| Fee Component | Amount (KES) |
|---|---|
| Annual Licence Fee | 6,000 |
| Application Fee | 600 |
| Total Payable | 6,600 |
The annual licence fee of KES 6,000 plus a one-off application fee of KES 600 brings the total cost to KES 6,600 per year. Renewal attracts the same annual fee each subsequent year.
KDB Dairy Licence and Permit Fees — Full Schedule
The Kenya Dairy Board regulates all categories of dairy premises. The table below summarises the full fee schedule across all licence and permit types, so you can identify the category that applies to your operation.
| Licence / Permit | Who It Covers | Annual Fee (KES) | Application Fee (KES) | Total (KES) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor Licence | Premises processing above 5,000 litres/day | 25,000 | 600 | 25,600 |
| Mini Dairy Licence | Premises processing 3,000–5,000 litres/day; milk dispensing units | 6,000 | 600 | 6,600 |
| Cottage Industry Licence | Farm-level milk processing and value addition | 4,000 | 600 | 4,600 |
| Cooling Plant Licence (above 5,000 L) | Milk cooling facilities handling above 5,000 litres/day | 2,000 | 600 | 2,600 |
| Cooling Plant Licence (below 5,000 L) | Milk cooling facilities handling below 5,000 litres/day | 2,000 | 600 | 2,600 |
| Milk Bar Licence | Premises retailing pasteurised milk and dairy products in small quantities | 2,500 | 600 | 3,100 |
| Primary Producer Licence | Dairy farmer groups and individual farmers collecting, bulking, and marketing raw milk | 1,200 | 600 | 1,800 |
| Dairy Manager Licence | Managers/supervisors of premises handling above 500 litres/day | 1,500 | 600 | 2,100 |
| Milk Carriage Permit | Transporters of raw milk in bulk or containers | 1,000/year | 600 | 1,600 |
| Export Permit | Exporters of milk and milk products | 1,000/consignment | 600 | 1,600 |
| Import Permit | Importers of milk and milk products | 1,000/consignment | 600 | 1,600 |
How to Apply for a Mini Dairy Licence
Applications for all KDB licences are submitted online through the Kenya Dairy Board Licensing Portal. Here is the general process:
- Register on the KDB online portal and create an account.
- Complete the online application form with details of your premises, processing volumes, and management team.
- Submit the application and wait for KDB to schedule a premises inspection.
- Pass the inspection — KDB officers will verify that your premises, equipment, and processes comply with milk safety and hygiene standards.
- Pay the licence fees (KES 6,600 for Mini Dairy) through your portal dashboard once the inspection is cleared.
- Download your licence from the portal within 14 days of payment. You may commence or continue operations once the licence is issued.
Licences are valid for one year and must be renewed before expiry. Non-compliance with licence conditions can result in suspension or cancellation.
Additional Obligations for Mini Dairy Operators
Beyond the licence fee, Mini Dairy operators are subject to:
- Monthly cess and levy payments to the Kenya Dairy Board, calculated on volumes of milk handled.
- Regular KDB inspections to verify ongoing compliance with processing and hygiene standards.
- Dairy Manager Licence — if your premises handle above 500 litres per day (which all Mini Dairy operations do), the manager or supervisor in charge must hold a personal Dairy Manager Licence (KES 2,100).
- Milk Carriage Permits for any milk transport vehicles used in your operations (KES 1,600 per vehicle per year).
Contact the Kenya Dairy Board
For licensing enquiries, visit or contact the KDB head office:
Kenya Dairy Board Social Security House, Block A, Eastern Wing, 10th Floor Bishop Road, Nairobi
📞 0722 573 432 / 0733 521 438
Applications are processed online at the KDB Licensing Portal. Always verify the current fee schedule directly with KDB, as fees are subject to revision by gazette notice.
