Any business or individual operating water sports activities or boat excursions for tourists in Kenya must hold a licence from the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) under the Class C enterprise category. This class covers tour operators, travel agencies, local air charters, tourist service vehicle hire, water sports operators, balloon operators, and boat excursion providers. The regulatory basis is the Tourism Act, 2011 and TRA Regulations, 2014 (Legal Notice No. 128 of 2014).
Operators of traditional local boats fall under the separate Class E category, with correspondingly different fees.
Water Sports / Boat Excursions Licence Fee Summary Table
| Fee Type | Amount (KES) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee (new applicants) | 1,000 | One-off on first application |
| Annual licence fee (Class C) | 8,000 | Applies to water sports and boat excursion businesses |
| Late renewal penalty | 10% per month | Of applicable licence fee |
Additional maritime or environmental permits may apply from the Kenya Maritime Authority or NEMA depending on the nature and location of operations.
Key Requirements
Applicants must submit a Certificate of Incorporation or business registration, KRA PIN certificate, work permits for any non-Kenyan directors, proof of ownership or lease of the relevant watercraft, certificates of seaworthiness where applicable, and professional certificates for staff operating vessels. Marine operations may also require clearance from the Kenya Maritime Authority.
Where to Apply
Applications are submitted to the TRA at Utalii House, 5th Floor, Utalii Lane, off Uhuru Highway, Nairobi, or online via the TRIMS Self-Service portal at tra.go.ke.
