How to Get a Food Hygiene Licence for Your Business in Kenya

Your restaurant, catering business, or food stall cannot operate legally in Kenya without a food hygiene licence. The process varies slightly by county, but the core requirements remain consistent across the country. Understanding what's needed and where to go will save you weeks of confusion.

Where to Apply

Food hygiene licences are issued by county government health departments, not a national body. This means you apply at your county's health office, not through ecitizen.go.ke or any centralised portal. Search for your county's Department of Health online or visit the county offices in person. In Nairobi, applications go through the Nairobi City County Health Department. In Mombasa, you'll work with the Mombasa County Health Services.

Contact details vary, so phone ahead before making the trip. Many counties have moved to hybrid systems where you can submit initial documents online but still need in-person inspections.

What You Need to Provide

The application requires several documents. You'll need a completed application form (available at the health office or their website), proof of identity, business registration details from the Certificate of Incorporation or sole proprietor documents, and a detailed floor plan of your premises showing preparation areas, storage, toilets, and handwashing stations.

You'll also submit a menu or list of foods you plan to prepare. This matters because different foods have different risk levels. A juice bar has simpler requirements than a butchery.

Many counties now request proof of premises ownership or lease agreement, and some ask for qualifications showing at least one person on staff has completed a food hygiene training course. The cost varies by county but typically ranges from KSh 2,000 to KSh 8,000 for the application and inspection.

The Inspection Process

After submission, a health inspector will visit your premises. They check water supply, waste disposal, food storage temperatures, pest control measures, and staff hygiene practices. This isn't a pass-fail moment—inspectors usually point out what needs fixing. Common issues include inadequate handwashing facilities, improper food storage temperatures, and poor drainage.

You'll have time to address these issues before resubmission. Some counties allow you to fix problems and request a follow-up inspection within two weeks. Others require you to reapply if major concerns are found.

The entire process—from application to approval—typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, though some counties are slower. Nairobi generally processes applications faster than rural counties with fewer staff.

After Approval

Your food hygiene licence is usually valid for one year. You'll receive a physical certificate to display at your premises and a registration number. Renewal involves a similar inspection process and payment. Keep records of all maintenance, staff training, and food safety incidents during the year, as inspectors may review these during renewal.

If you're unsure about meeting standards or navigating the application, you can find a verified Kenyan expert on Kaziiko who specialises in business licensing and can guide you through county-specific requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I operate without a food hygiene licence?

No. Operating without one exposes you to fines, closure orders, and legal action from county authorities. The risk isn't worth it, especially since getting licensed is straightforward.

How long is a food hygiene licence valid?

Most counties issue licences valid for one year. You must renew annually, which involves another inspection and payment.

What if my premises fails inspection?

You'll receive a list of issues to fix. Once corrected, contact the health office to schedule a follow-up inspection. Most businesses pass on the second attempt after making necessary changes.

Do I need staff food safety training?

Requirements vary by county. Some require at least one staff member to have completed a certified food hygiene course. Check with your county health department for their specific standards.