Any person or company operating as a tour operator, safari operator, or travel agency in Kenya must hold a Tour Operator’s Licence issued by the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA). Tour operators fall under Class “C” tourism enterprises under the Tourism Act, 2011. This class also includes tourist service vehicle hire, local air charter operators, travel agencies, water sports operators, balloon operators, and boat excursion businesses.
No other licensing body in Kenya may issue a commercial permit to a tourism enterprise unless the applicant produces a valid TRA licence. Tour operators are additionally required to obtain Tourist Service Vehicle Stickers for all vehicles used to transport tourists.
Tour Operator’s Licence Fees (TRA — Tourism Enterprises Regulations, 2024)
| Category | Application Fee (KES) | Annual Licence Fee — Citizens (KES) | Application Fee — Non-Citizens (USD) | Annual Licence Fee — Non-Citizens (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tour / Safari Operators | 1,000 | 25,000 | 100 | 1,500 |
| Tourist Service Vehicle Hire | 1,000 | 25,000 | 100 | 1,500 |
| Travel Agency | 1,000 | 25,000 | 100 | 1,500 |
| Water Sports | 1,000 | 20,000 | 100 | 1,500 |
| Local Air Charter | 1,000 | 49,500 | 100 | 1,500 |
| Balloon Operators | 1,000 | 49,500 | 100 | 1,500 |
| Boat Excursions | 1,000 | 10,000 | 100 | 1,500 |
Tourist Service Vehicle Sticker Fees
| Sticker Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Local Registered Tourist Vehicle (per vehicle, annual) | KES 1,000 |
| Foreign Registered Tourist Vehicle (per vehicle, 6 months) | USD 500 |
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the TRA TRIMS portal at trims.tourismauthority.go.ke. Required documents include: certificate of incorporation, KRA PIN, national IDs of directors, professional tourism qualifications, entry/work permits for non-citizen staff, and proof of fee payment. Licences expire on 31 December each year. Late renewals attract a 10% penalty per month.
Contact: Tourism Regulatory Authority, Upper Hill, Nairobi | tra.go.ke | Tel: 0709 389 000
