If you plan on setting up a business in Nairobi, you have to follow all the legal procedures. The permits that are issued serve the purpose of identification and registration of a business. Having a legalized business reduces the risks attached to an unregistered entity. Knowing the Nairobi County business permit rates will help you pay the correct amount and minimize the risk of business closure.
All business owners in Nairobi County require the right licenses to have a smooth daily operation. The licenses prove the legality of the business and allow the county government to collect tax. The type of business permit in Nairobi county to apply for depends on several factors, including the type of business, activities involved, and employees' size.
The county governments are responsible for issuing the single business permits, which are now known as the unified business permits. This allows individuals to apply once for the different licenses without going to several government offices to obtain them. The licenses that fall under the unified business permit are:
The unified business permit in Nairobi county consolidates all licenses required to run a business within the county. On the other hand, consumable business entities must have both a health certificate and a food hygiene license.
All businesses with advertising signage of about 300mm by 60mm or less should have an advertising signage license. While the fire clearance certificate and trading license are compulsory for all businesses, in some cases, a business owner may have to obtain other licenses to operate in Nairobi County.
While the steps for applying for a license are the same regardless of the type of business, the Nairobi City County business permit rates cost varies depending on the number of employees, the location, and the kind of business.
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The cost for a business permit is around Ksh. 15,200 for those with five employees whereby Ksh. 200 is the application fee.
The rates for a single business permit also depend on the size in square meters of your business. For instance, a small trader shop with up to four employees will pay Ksh. 4000 while a small informal trader or service provider such as shoeshiner or newspaper street vendor pays Ksh. 3500. On the other hand, a transport company that occupies 100sqm pays Ksh. 100,000.
The specified amount should be paid in the City Hall or via the online portal. The unified business permit in Nairobi is valid only for a year from January to December, after which you will be required to renew it. Late renewal or registration could incur penalty charges of up to 3.00% every month from the due date.
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There are two methods that you can use to acquire a business permit. The first one is by visiting their offices, and the second option is by using the online portal. The method you select depends on preference and the amount of time you can spare to complete all the necessary procedures. For the online procedure, you must have a laptop and an internet connection.
Whether you are a local or foreign individual, to legally operate a business in Kenya, you must have the proper business permits. You can easily get the license online when you don't feel like physically visiting the Nairobi county offices.
While licenses often expired on 31st December regardless of when you applied, nowadays, the days are counted depending on whether you paid for a full year, half a year, or quarter year. For a smooth application process, first, ensure you have the following requirements:
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You must also ensure that you have the name of the business, physical address, and registration number. The process of applying for a business permit requires you to follow two steps: Creating an epayment account and following the procedure on the online portal.
Kenya has made drastic changes to reduce the backlog and stress of conducting business in government offices. Through online portals, you can access the services you want, including those related to your business. To create an epayment account:
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After your account has been activated, you can go ahead and start applying for your permit. The account also comes in handy when you want to renew or print the license. To apply for a permit, follow these steps:
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Going to Nairobi City Hall Annex licensing offices is another way to obtain a business permit. You will be asked to fill a BR-1 form at the offices and present all the necessary documents. The inspection officers will then visit your business location and determine the permit rates you shall pay.
In the City Hall offices, the details from the BR-1 form are added to the unified business permit database. Afterwards, the form is stamped, an invoice is generated. After completing the payment, the permit is signed. You will then be advised to pick your permit at the dispatch office. Now you can display the license at your business premises as the law requires.
To place any queries or get clarification on their services, you can visit the right government offices. The two offices associated with the single business permit are the City Hall Annex and the cash office, City Hall. You can also contact them at:
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Although offices are closed during public holidays, they are open at the following times:
Business owners can also contact the licensing officer, Moses Chege, through the following means:
Renewing a business permit in Nairobi is easy. It involves two main methods: visiting the county offices or online. If you intend to go to the offices, carry a copy of the previous license. The council officials shall tell you the cost of a single business permit, and you shall proceed to the cash office to complete the payment.
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The online method is straightforward and can be done anywhere as long as you have an internet-enabled device and can make payments via M-Pesa or online banking. To renew a single business permit online, follow these simple steps.
It is easy to renew your business permit as per the new Nairobi County business permit rates as long as you know the correct procedure to follow. Remember that you no longer need to queue for many hours just to apply, renew and print a permit. These procedures can be done online. So get a business permit to avoid getting shut down by the city council authorities.
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DISCLAIMER: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional help or advice and should not be relied on to make any decisions. Any action taken upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
Do you know how to get a business permit in Kenya? Tuko.co.ke has a comprehensive article highlighting the cost of a business permit. The application procedure and the importance of having proper licenses, including increasing your chances of getting a loan or sponsors, are also discussed.
A business permit proves that you are operating a company legally and within Kenyan law. But do you know where you need to go to pay for a business permit and the type of license your company requires, and when to renew it? Find out from the post.
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