How to Get a County Business Permit in Nairobi in 2026

Understanding Nairobi's Business Permit Requirements in 2026

A county business permit is mandatory for any business operating in Nairobi County under the Business Names Act and the Nairobi City County Finance Act. In 2026, the process has been streamlined through Nairobi City County's online portal, though manual applications remain available. Your permit classifies your business by activity type and determines your annual licensing fee, which varies significantly based on your business category and turnover projection.

Step 1: Register Your Business Name

Before applying for a county permit, you must register your business name with the Attorney General's Office via the eCitizen portal (ecitizen.go.ke). Search the existing register to ensure your chosen name isn't taken. Registration costs approximately KSh 500–1,000 and takes 2–5 working days. You'll receive a certificate of business name registration—this is essential documentation for your county permit application.

Step 2: Obtain a PIN from KRA

Visit itax.kra.go.ke to register for a Personal Identification Number (PIN) if you don't have one. This is non-negotiable; Nairobi County requires your KRA PIN on all permit applications. Registration is free and instant. Keep your PIN secure, as you'll use it for tax compliance and business registration across all government portals.

Step 3: Apply Through Nairobi City County's Online Portal

Access the Nairobi City County business licensing portal (accessible via the county website). Complete your application with your business details, business name certificate, KRA PIN, and identification documents. Select your business category—categories range from retail and hospitality to professional services, each with different fee bands. The online system will calculate your estimated annual fee based on projected turnover.

Step 4: Pay Your License Fee

Nairobi County accepts payment via M-Pesa, bank transfer, and cash at county offices. Fees in 2026 typically range from KSh 2,000 for small micro-enterprises to KSh 50,000+ for larger operations; check the official portal for your specific category. Once payment clears, your application moves to verification status.

Step 3: Inspection and Approval

County inspectors may conduct a site visit to verify your business location and operations comply with zoning laws. This step typically takes 1–3 weeks. If approved, you'll receive your county business permit certificate and a registration number—display this prominently at your business premises.

Get Expert Help

The process can be complex, especially if your business spans multiple county jurisdictions or involves special licensing (food, alcohol, transport). Find a verified Kenyan expert on Kaziiko who specialises in business registration and licensing to navigate requirements faster and avoid costly errors.

Key Tips for 2026

• Renew annually; late renewal attracts penalties under Nairobi County bylaws
• Keep all documentation scanned; you may need copies for tax audits and bank account applications
• Update your business details immediately if you change premises or business activity