Official steps
Every step, in order.
Open a step only when you need its details.
Start with KenInvest and the SEZA ecosystem. The investment certificate and SEZA enterprise licence depend on each other , order matters.
Plan
Register as an investor on the Digital One Stop CentreConfirmed+
Planning an investment in Kenya · Invest Kenya
Fee: No fee published for registration · Time: Online
Documents: Investor and project details, Intended sector and location
You get: Investor profile and facilitation channel
Go to official portalEPZ or SEZ licensingConfirmed+
Export-oriented manufacturing or zone-based operations · EPZA / SEZA
Fee: SEZ: USD 5,000 developer / operator, USD 1,000 enterprise · Time: Confirm with the authority
Documents: Business plan, Export projections, Company documents
You get: EPZ or SEZ licence
Go to official portalConnect
Incorporate a private limited companyConfirmed+
Establishing a Kenyan legal entity · Business Registration Service (BRS)
Fee: KSh 10,650 · Time: 3 to 5 days
Documents: Director and shareholder identification, Registered office, Share capital details
You get: Certificate of incorporation
Go to official portalKRA PIN and tax obligationsConfirmed+
Company incorporation completes · Kenya Revenue Authority
Fee: No fee · Time: Online, same day in most cases
Documents: Incorporation certificate, Director PINs, Business address
You get: Company PIN, VAT registration where applicable
Go to official portalExecute
Class G work permit for foreign principalsConfirmed+
A foreign national running or working in the business · Directorate of Immigration Services
Fee: KSh 250,000 per year for non-EAC nationals · Time: Weeks; apply before mobilisation
Documents: Company documents, Evidence of USD 100,000 minimum investment, Passport, Police clearance
You get: Class G permit
Go to official portalNEMA environmental impact assessmentConfirmed+
Projects with environmental impact or construction · NEMA
Fee: 0.1% of project cost, minimum KSh 10,000 · Time: Depends on project category
Documents: Project report or full EIA study, Public participation record
You get: EIA licence
Go to official portalCounty business permits and premises approvalsAuthority known+
Operating from physical premises · County government
Confirm fees and timing with County government.
Documents: Lease or title, Company documents, Activity description
You get: Single business permit
Source: Invest Kenya