A reconnaissance licence allows a company to carry out preliminary, non-intrusive mineral exploration in Kenya — aerial, geophysical, geochemical, and geological surveys plus limited surface sampling — without drilling, trenching, or excavation. It is issued under the Mining Act, 2016, and the Mining (Licence and Permit) Regulations.
Fee Summary Table
| Item | Fee / Charge |
|---|---|
| Application fee | Ksh. 50,000 |
| Annual ground rent | Not applicable |
| Document perusal (per hour) | Ksh. 2,000 |
| Copy of licence document | Ksh. 2,000 |
Source: The Mining (Licence and Permit) (Amendment) Regulations, 2024 (Legal Notice 43 of 2024).
What You Need
- Form RL1 application to the Cabinet Secretary for Mining
- A proposed reconnaissance work programme
- Company registration and KRA PIN documentation
- Compliance with any community land consultation requirements where applicable
A Licence, Not a Permit
It’s worth distinguishing a reconnaissance licence from a reconnaissance permit (covered separately) — the licence is the broader, longer-term exploration authorisation with a higher application fee, while the permit is a narrower, shorter instrument valid for up to one year and issued per county. Make sure you’re applying for the right instrument for your intended activity before paying any fee.
At Ksh. 50,000, the reconnaissance licence application fee is a modest entry cost relative to the exploration work it unlocks. Since there’s no annual ground rent attached, your main ongoing cost driver will be the survey and sampling work itself rather than recurring government charges.
