A Villa Licence is required under Kenya’s Tourism Act, 2011, for any detached or semi-detached, fully-furnished private house or holiday home that is rented out to guests or used as a short-stay holiday property. Villas are classified under TRA Class “A” enterprises, alongside hotels, homestays, and other accommodation facilities. The licence is issued by the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA).
Villas are defined by TRA as typically luxurious in nature, with their own grounds, rented to a select clientele. They are distinct from guest houses, which may be more modest in character.
Villa Licence Fees (TRA — Tourism Enterprises Regulations, 2024)
| Villa Bed Capacity | Application Fee (KES) | Annual Licence Fee (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| 1–10 beds | 1,000 | 39,000 |
| 10 beds and above | 1,000 | 46,000 |
Required Documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| National ID or passport of owner/director | |
| KRA PIN certificate | |
| Certificate of incorporation (for companies) | |
| Lease agreement or title deed | |
| Entry permit / affidavit for non-resident director | If applicable |
| Certificate of Good Conduct |
All villa operators must apply through the TRA TRIMS portal. Licences expire on 31 December. Late payment of renewal fees attracts a 10% penalty per month of delay.
Contact: Tourism Regulatory Authority | trims.tourismauthority.go.ke | Tel: 0709 389 000
