A motor vehicle hire licence is required for businesses renting out vehicles — including tourist service vehicle hire — and is issued by the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) under the Tourist Industry Licensing Act, distinct from NTSA's driver-focused licensing.
Fee Summary Table
| Item | Fee / Charge |
|---|---|
| Application fee (new applicants) | Ksh. 1,000 |
| Annual licence fee | Ksh. 8,000 |
| Licence renewal fee | Ksh. 8,000 |
| Late renewal penalty | 10% of the applicable licence fee per month delayed |
Source: Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) Class C licensing fee schedule.
What You Need
- Certificate of registration/incorporation
- CR12 or identity documents for directors
- KRA PIN certificate
- Proof of vehicle ownership or a contract of hire, plus a vehicle inspection report
- Work/entry permits for non-Kenyan directors, where applicable
Renew Three Months Early
TRA requires licences to be renewed at least three months before expiry, and the 10%-per-month late penalty accumulates quickly on an Ksh. 8,000 base fee. Mark your renewal date well in advance to avoid an avoidable penalty on top of the standard annual fee.
At Ksh. 1,000 to apply and Ksh. 8,000 a year to maintain, a motor vehicle hire licence is a manageable recurring cost for car hire and tourist vehicle businesses — just don't let the renewal date slip, since the penalty clock starts immediately after expiry.