A professional safari photographer operating in Kenya for commercial gain — including wildlife photography for publication, stock libraries, or media — must hold a TRA licence under the Class E enterprise category. Class E covers individual practitioners such as citizen tour leaders, curio vendors, local traditional boat operators, and professional safari photographers.
In addition to the TRA licence, photographers working on film or media productions may require a separate permit from the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) or the Directorate of Film Services, depending on the nature of the work.
Professional Safari Photographer’s Licence Fee Summary Table
| Fee Type | Amount (KES) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee (new applicants) | 1,000 | One-off on first application |
| Annual licence fee (Class E) | 6,000 | Annual; valid to 31 December |
| Late renewal penalty | 10% per month | Of applicable licence fee |
Fees are set under Legal Notice No. 128 of 2014.
Key Requirements
Applicants must submit a copy of their identity card or passport, a copy of any permit or licence from the Film Department or KFCB, proof of photography equipment ownership or lease, and a valid entry permit in the case of non-citizen photographers (who are generally classified under a different TRA category with higher fees). All applications are submitted at TRA offices or through the TRIMS portal.
