The Single Business Permit in Kenya

At a glance

What the single business permit is

The single business permit is a county licence to carry on business within that county. It was introduced to consolidate what used to be several separate local licences into one annual permit. Counties issue and price it under the devolved powers given to them by the Constitution and their own finance legislation, which is why the fee and the categories differ from one county to the next.

The permit licences the operation of a business at a location. It is not proof that the business is registered, and it does not replace any national registration or sector licence. A business therefore typically holds three separate things: its registration with the Business Registration Service, its single business permit from the county, and any regulator’s licence its activity requires.

Since 2024, the process has become more uniform. The County Licensing (Uniform Procedures) Act, 2024, and its 2025 regulations, standardise the procedures for county business licensing — common application steps, forms and timelines across the counties. They do not standardise the fees: each county still sets its own permit charges every year in its Finance Act.

Who needs one

Broadly, any business operating from premises in a county needs a single business permit for that location — shops, offices, restaurants, workshops, professional practices and the like. A business that operates in more than one county generally needs a permit in each. The category the county places you in — and therefore the fee — depends on your activity and scale, so it is worth confirming the right classification rather than accepting the highest band by default.

How to apply

The process is run by each county, but the shape is similar across the country.

1. Identify the right county and category. Establish which county your premises sit in and which business category and sub-category apply to your activity and size.
2. Apply through the county’s system. Most counties now take applications online. In Nairobi this is the county e-services portal; other counties use their own platforms or offices.
3. Provide the business details. These usually include the registered business or company name, the premises address, the nature of the business, floor area and number of employees.
4. Pass any required inspection. Certain activities need a fire-safety, public-health or advertising-signage clearance before the permit issues.
5. Pay the assessed fee and collect the permit, which must be displayed at the premises.

What it costs

There is no single national figure. Each county sets its own fee schedule, and the amount is banded by the type of business and by proxies for its size, such as the number of employees, the floor area of the premises, and turnover category. A small consultancy and a large wholesaler in the same county will pay very different fees. Because the schedules are revised in each county’s annual finance act, confirm the current figure with the county before you budget. Our note on licences and permits in Kenya gives the wider picture.

Permit versus registration versus sector licence

These three are often confused. Registering a company or business name with the Business Registration Service creates the business nationally — see our company registration guide. The single business permit licences that business to operate in a particular county. A sector licence — from a regulator such as the relevant authority for your industry — authorises a specific regulated activity. Most established businesses need all three, and they are obtained from different bodies.

Renewal and penalties

The single business permit runs for the calendar year, expiring on 31 December, and must be renewed early in the new year. Counties typically set a deadline in the first weeks of the year and charge penalties on late renewal. Operating without a valid permit exposes a business to fines, back-charges and, in serious cases, closure of the premises. Building the renewal into your annual compliance calendar — alongside your company annual return and tax filings — avoids an avoidable penalty.

Frequently asked questions

Is a single business permit the same as registering a company?

No. Registration with the Business Registration Service creates the business nationally; the single business permit is a separate county licence to operate at your premises.

How much is a business permit in Kenya?

It varies by county and by business category and size. There is no single national fee, so confirm the current amount with the county your premises are in.

Do I need a permit in every county I operate in?

Generally yes — the permit is county-specific, so operating premises in several counties usually means a permit in each.

What happens if I trade without one?

You risk fines, back-dated charges and closure of the premises. The permit must also be displayed at the business.

How often is it renewed?

Annually. Most counties penalise late renewal, so diarise the county’s deadline.