Updated 1 November 2026
A nightclub licence Kenya club owners need starts with the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) Class F licence for entertainment facilities, which covers night clubs, cinemas, movie theatres and casinos. Under Legal Notice No. 200 of 2025 it costs a one-off KSh 1,000 application fee and KSh 30,000 a year, and expires on 31 December. You will also need a county liquor licence, a county business permit, public health and fire clearances, and music copyright licences. This guide lists the TRA requirements and the other approvals in order.
Updated 1 November 2026 from Legal Notice No. 200 of 2025, First Schedule (f), and TRA’s Class F page.
Nightclub licence Kenya fee (TRA Class F)
| Enterprise | Application fee (once) | Annual licence fee |
|---|---|---|
| Entertainment facilities (night clubs, cinemas, movie theatres, casinos) | KSh 1,000 | KSh 30,000 |
| Conference and event services (Class G), for comparison | KSh 1,000 | KSh 30,000 |
Source: Legal Notice No. 200 of 2025, published 16 December 2025. The schedule sets one flat fee for all entertainment facilities, whatever the size of the club.
Casinos also need a gaming licence from the Betting Control and Licensing Board (or its successor under the gambling law in force); the TRA licence does not replace it.
Documents TRA asks for
- Certificate of registration or incorporation
- CR12 for companies and/or ID copies of the directors
- KRA PIN certificate of the business (company KRA PIN guide)
- Professional certificate of the person running the business
- Entry or work permit of the directors if foreign-owned
- Evidence of at least US$100,000 investment if foreign-owned
Source: TRA Class F licensing page, checked 1 November 2026.
The full licence list for a nightclub in Kenya
| Approval | Issued by | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Business registration and KRA PIN | BRS / KRA | Needed for all other licences |
| TRA entertainment licence | TRA | KSh 30,000 a year |
| Liquor licence | County alcoholic drinks committee | Fee and hours set by each county’s law |
| Single business permit | County | Requires the TRA licence first |
| Public health certificate and food handlers’ certificates | County health | If you serve food |
| Fire safety certificate | County fire department | Capacity, exits and extinguishers |
| Noise and vibration control licence | NEMA | For amplified music; check current NEMA rules |
| Music copyright licences | Collective management organisations licensed by KECOBO | For playing recorded music in public |
Regulation 15(3) of the 2025 rules says no county may issue a business permit to a tourism enterprise until the applicant shows the TRA licence, so get TRA early. See our single business permit guide.
How to apply for the TRA entertainment licence
- Register the company (reserve a name on eCitizen) and get its KRA PIN.
- Sign a lease for the premises. The licence covers only that address.
- Apply on TRA’s TRIMS portal and pay the KSh 1,000 fee.
- Host the TRA inspection.
- Pay the KSh 30,000 annual fee and display the licence.
- Use the TRA licence to get your county permit and liquor licence.
Renewal, penalties and records
- Expiry: 31 December each year. The Tourism Act asks you to renew three months early.
- Late renewal: 10% of the fee per month, so KSh 3,000 a month on this licence.
- Unlicensed venues may not list on digital marketing or booking platforms, including ticketing and event listing sites.
- Operating without a licence: fine up to KSh 100,000, up to 18 months in jail, or both (section 112).
- Keep staff and customer records required by TRA for five years and send monthly data.
Budgeting your first year
TRA’s share is fixed at KSh 31,000 in year one (KSh 1,000 + KSh 30,000). County liquor and permit fees vary widely by county and by hours, so request the current county Finance Act schedule before signing a lease. Security, sound proofing and fire equipment are usually far larger costs than the licences.
Nightclub licence Kenya checklist before opening night
Use this order to avoid paying rent on a venue you cannot open. First, confirm zoning: many counties restrict clubs in residential areas, and noise complaints are the main reason licences are refused or revoked. Second, apply for the TRA entertainment licence, since the county needs it before issuing your business permit. Third, book the county liquor licensing committee hearing; most committees inspect premises and may invite public objections. Fourth, get the fire inspection after your exits, lighting and extinguishers are installed, not before. Fifth, sort music licences and NEMA noise compliance before your first event.
Questions TRA and county inspectors commonly ask
- What is the venue’s maximum capacity, and how many emergency exits are there?
- Who manages the business day to day, and what are their qualifications?
- Do you keep a staff register and customer incident log?
- Is the sound system contained so noise stays within permitted levels at the boundary?
Keeping a simple compliance file (licences, inspection reports, staff list and fire certificate) at the bar makes inspections faster and protects the nightclub licence Kenya regulators issued you if there is a complaint.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a nightclub licence in Kenya?
The TRA entertainment licence is KSh 1,000 once plus KSh 30,000 a year. County liquor and business permits are extra.
Who licenses nightclubs in Kenya?
TRA licenses entertainment facilities; counties issue liquor licences and business permits; NEMA regulates noise.
Does a cinema need a TRA licence?
Yes. TRA lists cinemas and movie theatres under Class F entertainment facilities.
When does the licence expire?
On 31 December each year.
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