Updated 31 October 2026
A business permit in Kakamega County (trade licence or Single Business Permit) costs KSh2,000 a year for a small shop in a rural area, KSh2,500 in urban centres such as townships and sub-county headquarters, and KSh5,950 within the municipality, plus a KSh500 application fee for a new business. The rates are set by the Kakamega County Finance Act, 2025, and the licensing rules by the Kakamega County Trade Licensing Act, 2018, as summarised by Ask Gava from the county’s published laws in October 2026. Fees are paid to the Kakamega County Revenue Agency (KCRA).
Business permit Kakamega County fees
| Item | Fee (KSh per year) |
|---|---|
| Application fee, new business | 500 (one-off) |
| Small trader shop or retail service, rural | 2,000 |
| Small trader shop or retail service, urban (townships, sub-county HQ centres) | 2,500 |
| Small trader shop or retail service, municipality | 5,950 |
| Medium trader shop or retail service (up to 2 staff), municipality | 8,500 |
| Light kiosk or temporary structure under 3m², municipality | 4,250 |
| Hawker on foot (1 person, no vehicle), municipality | 3,400 |
Larger businesses, transport, hospitality and professional services have their own categories in the Finance Act schedule. Ask the licensing office for the exact assessment for your activity before paying.
Requirements
- A completed trade licence application form, which asks for your KRA PIN, business name, plot or LR number, business activity, and the applicant’s ID or passport number.
- A copy of the rates and/or rent clearance certificate for the business premises.
- Compliance with health, hygiene and safety rules; the licence is granted only after the fee is paid and these are met.
How to apply
- Fill in the application form and submit it to the county trade licensing office with the KSh500 application fee. The Act also allows electronic applications in a format approved by the county.
- Pay the licence fee to KCRA, through the county revenue system at revenue.kakamega.go.ke or the approved channels.
- Collect your licence, which lists the business you may run and the premises.
- Renew every year before it expires.
County help lines: 056 203 1850 or info@kakamega.go.ke.
Rules to watch
- Calendar-year licence: the licence runs to December 31 whatever month you got it. Renewals cover January 1 to December 31, so a business that opens in October still pays the full year’s fee.
- Two businesses, two permits: if you run two different businesses in the same premises, each needs its own permit.
- False information: giving false information on the application is an offence, punishable by a fine of up to KSh50,000 or up to three months in jail.
How Kakamega compares
Kakamega’s small-trader fees are similar to Kericho’s (KSh1,500–2,500 for the smallest shops) and well below Kisumu City’s KSh10,000. Municipality traders pay more than twice the rural rate, so location matters when choosing where to open. Because the licence follows the calendar year, the cheapest time to open a new business is early in the year, when you get the full 12 months for the same fee.
The general process across counties is in our guide on how to apply for a Single Business Permit. Compare Kericho and Kisumu permit fees.
FAQ
How much is a small business permit in Kakamega town?
KSh5,950 a year for a small trader within the municipality, plus KSh500 to apply for a new business.
When does a Kakamega trade licence expire?
On December 31 each year, regardless of when it was issued.
Where do I pay for a Kakamega business permit?
To the Kakamega County Revenue Agency (KCRA).
Updated October 2026.
Related: Kilifi County Business Permit Fees: Rates for Malindi, Mtwapa, Watamu, Kilifi and Other Towns
Related: Uasin Gishu County Business Permit Fees (Eldoret): Rates, Application Fees and How to Apply
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