Cost of Single Business Permit in Kenya

What is the cost of a Business Permit in Kenya? And why does the government hate hawkers? No, Gok doesn’t hate hawkers. Then why does the county government engage them in a chase game all the time? The answer is simple; the hawkers do not have a license or permit to operate.

This brings us to the topic on the cost of a single business permit in Kenya. If you want to operate peacefully in any part of Kenya without trouble with the county officers, then you should ensure that your business has a single business permit.

Could the cost of a single business permit in Kenya be too expensive? We will find that out in a few.

Single Business permit
Single Business permit for Nairobi County

A single business permit is vital in ensuring that a business complies with the established rules for that specific type of business. The procedure for obtaining a business permit is the same, but the cost might vary depending on the size, model, and location of the company.

Requirements to Apply for a Single Business Permit in Kenya

Individuals who intend to obtain a new business permit should go to the ward office and get a BR-1 form, or you can download them online.

  • Fill the form and give it back to the ward licensing officer.
  • The officer visits your business within 1-3 days to verify the company.
  • The information obtained by the inspection team determines the fees to charge for the permit.
  • The BR-1 form is then stamped, and you are referred to the main office, City Hall.
  • The form is approved, and the data entered in the Sbps database.
  • The generation of an invoice bill follows this, and payment is made to the cash office.
  • The business permit is signed, and you are advised to collect it from the dispatch office.

What is the cost of a Single Business Permit in Kenya?

  • Application fee – Kshs. 200
  • Large Trader (21-50 employees) – KShs. 20,000
  • Medium Trader (5-20 employees) – Kshs. 10,000

Eligibility

Single Business permit
BR-1 Form

Before applying for a business permit, it is essential first to register your business to ensure you already have a business ID number, and address, and a business name.

Required Documents

  • Copy of certificate of incorporation
  • Proof of business ownership
  • National ID/ Passport No

Instructions

  1. Once you have registered your company or business, secured a business name, and obtained the necessary documentation, you can apply for a business certificate/permit at any county government offices in Kenya.
  2. The business permit is obtained from the county government in whose jurisdiction it operates.
  3. There are fees charged for registering a business but which vary depending on the number of employees or size of the establishment.
  4. The business permit is renewed annually.

Required Information

  • Business Name
  • Personal ID name
  • Land zone and plot number
  • Number of employees
  • Business physical address
  • Postal Address of the Business
  • Activity code for the business
  • Details of whoever is obtaining the permit

Why you need a Single Business Permit in Kenya

A Single business permit (Sbp) is required for the smooth operation of any business in Kenya. It ensures that a company complies with the established rules for that specific type of business.

The procedure for obtaining a business permit is the same, but the cost might vary depending on the size, type, and location of the business. The license will also come in handy when acquiring a loan and applying for government Tenders.

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Brian is a founding writer at Urban Kenyans. His work is focused on how to improve the digital literacy of Kenyans online. He has been able to do so with his mastery of Kenya and the English Language.

7 thoughts on “Cost of Single Business Permit in Kenya”

  1. I believe the process is too expensive for the common mwananchi…. A small shop cannot be expected to remove 5000 shillings over a period that does not ensure its success. To open a barbershop requires 11k jameni. A barbershop within the slums is being expected to remove 11k surely for startup….. The government should look into this.

    Reply
  2. Comment:my business is worth 5k how am i expected to pay 5k for it surely the goverment is not serious they should consider us

    Reply

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