Business Kenya: Licences

There was a time when you needed so many licences before you could begin any business in Kenya.

Luckily, some of them have been scrapped. Depending on the sector that your business falls under, you may need clearance from some of these Government Ministries.

• Investments to produce excisable goods (clearance from Customs and Excise is a pre-condition.
• Investments in forest products and mining (clearance from Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources).
• Investments in energy and petroleum products (clearance from Ministry of Energy)
• Investments in the manufacture Under Bond Programme (MUB) (authority to manufacture under bond must be obtained from Minister for Finance).
• Investments in the tourism industry (clearance from the Ministry of Tourism)
• Investments that may adversely affect the environment (Clearance from National Environment Management Authority or public health authorities)

Some business sectors have various restrictions. Consider the following;

• There are equity restrictions on the telecommunications industry. A minimum of 30% of the shareholding must be local.
• Investments in the insurance industry must have local participation.
• Ownership of agricultural land by foreigners is restricted.
• Engagement in petty business by foreigners is also restricted.

Other useful contacts are:

Ministry of Regional Development

NSSF Building

P.O. Box 10280, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya

Tel: 254-20-2733745Fax: 254-20-2737693

Ministry of Roads and Public Works

Ministry of Works Building, Ngong Road

P.O. Box 30260, Nairobi, Kenya

Tel: 254-20-2723101, 2723188, 2723155, 2723111-6, 2723135, 2723582/87

Ministry of Tourism

Utalii House,

Off Uhuru Highway

P.O.Box 30027, Nairobi, Kenya

Tel. 254-20-333555, 313010

Fax. 254-20-318045

Ministry of Trade and Industry

Telposta Towers,Kenyatta Avenue

P.O. Box 30418, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya

Tel: 254-20-315001-7, 331030

Fax: 254-20-315011, 213508, 219680

Ministry of Transport

Transcom House, Ngong Road

P.O. Box 52692, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya

Tel. 254-20-2729200

Ministry of Water Resources Management & Development

Maji House, Ngong Road

P.O. Box 49720, Nairobi, Kenya

Tel. 254-20-2716103, 229261

Fax: 254-20-2727622

Kenya Revenue Authourity

Harambee Ave.P.O. Box 48240, 00100 GPO

Nairobi, Kenya.

Tel: 254-20-310900/315553

Central Bank of Kenya (CBK)

Haile Selassie Ave.P.O. Box 60000, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya

Tel: 254-20-226431

Fax: 254-20-340192

Kenya National Chamber of Commerce

PO Box 47024, 36 Ufanisi House,

Hailé Sélassie Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya

Tel: (020) 220 867.

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