A prospecting permit grants a more limited, often smaller-scale right to prospect for minerals compared to a full prospecting licence, and is commonly used by small and medium operators.
Fee Summary Table
| Item | Fee / Charge |
|---|---|
| Application fee | Ksh. 7,000 |
| Annual ground rent | Ksh. 20,000 |
| Transfer fee | Ksh. 100,000 |
Source: The Mining (Licence and Permit) (Amendment) Regulations, 2024 (Legal Notice 43 of 2024).
What You Need
- Application form with the proposed prospecting activity and area
- Proof of identity/registration for the applicant
- Compliance with any applicable community land or land-use consent
Permit vs Licence — Know the Difference
A prospecting permit is materially cheaper than a prospecting licence (Ksh. 7,000 versus Ksh. 500,000) but generally covers smaller-scale or shorter-term activity. Choosing the wrong instrument for your intended scale of operation can mean reapplying later, so confirm with the State Department for Mining which instrument matches your actual exploration plans before paying.
The prospecting permit's low application fee makes it accessible, but don't let that mask the Ksh. 100,000 transfer fee if you ever plan to assign the permit to another party — that cost is fourteen times the original application fee.