Updated 31 October 2026
A business permit in Kericho County (Single Business Permit) costs from KSh800 a year for a small kiosk in a rural market to KSh100,000 for a hypermarket in Kericho Town or Litein. A small one-person shop pays KSh2,500 in Zone A, KSh2,000 in Zone B and KSh1,500 elsewhere. The figures are the approved rates in Part XII of the Kericho County Finance Act, 2025, published on the county website.
Kericho zones
- Zone A: Kericho Town and Litein Town.
- Zone B: Kapkatet, Roret, Kipkelion, Fort Ternan, Londiani, Chepseon, Hill Tea, Sosiot, Kabianga, Sondu, Kipsitet, Kapsoit, Kapsuser, Chepnyogaa and Brooke towns, and Londiani Junction.
- Zone C: all other markets.
Business permit Kericho County fees: shops and retail
| Business | Zone A (KSh) | Zone B (KSh) | Zone C (KSh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mega store or hypermarket (over 50 staff or over 3,000m²) | 100,000 | 40,000 | 20,000 |
| Large trader (10–20 staff, prime location) | 30,000 | 20,000 | 15,000 |
| Medium trader, class A (5–10 staff) | 15,000 | 10,000 | 6,000 |
| Medium trader, class B (3–5 staff) | 10,000 | 7,500 | 4,000 |
| Medium trader, class C (2–3 staff) | 8,000 | 5,000 | 3,500 |
| Mali mali shops and boutiques | 5,000 | 5,000 | 4,000 |
| Small trader, mitumba shops, kinyozi, salon | 5,000 | 5,000 | 4,000 |
| Retail shop or milk ATM | 3,000 | 3,000 | 3,000 |
| Small trader (1 employee, under 50m², far location) | 2,500 | 2,000 | 1,500 |
| Kiosk (temporary, under 5m²) | 2,000 | 1,500 | 800 |
The general trader category includes wholesalers, hardware shops, supermarkets, showrooms, boutiques, chemists, take-aways, butcheries and kiosks.
Hawkers and informal traders
| Business | Zone A (KSh) | Zone B (KSh) | Zone C (KSh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawker with motor vehicle | 3,000 | 2,500 | 1,600 |
| Hawker without motor vehicle | 2,400 | 1,500 | 1,200 |
| Small informal trader (shoe shiner, cobbler, street vendor) | 1,000 | 800 | 600 |
| Semi-permanent trader, up to 2 people, verandah | 2,000 | 1,500 | 1,200 |
| Other informal sector | 1,500 | 1,200 | 1,000 |
Penalties for late payment
Under section 4 of the Act, a business with an unpaid permit at the turn of the calendar year pays a penalty of 3% a month, cumulative, plus 30% above the normal rate. The Act gives marginal relief so that penalties do not accrue until after March 31 each year. Paying in January to March avoids the penalty.
What this means for small businesses
Kericho’s rates for the smallest traders are among the lower ones we have compared. A one-person shop in Kericho Town pays KSh2,500, against KSh5,000 in Nyamira Municipality and KSh10,000 in Kisumu City. But the step up to the medium categories is steep: a shop with two or three employees in Zone A pays KSh8,000. Before you apply, count staff and measure your premises carefully, because those decide your band. Ask the revenue officer for the bill in writing and keep receipts for future renewals.
Fire safety, public health, signage and liquor fees are charged separately where they apply, so budget for those on top of the permit.
How to apply
- Register your business and get a KRA PIN.
- Apply at the county or sub-county revenue office with your ID, business details, staff numbers and premises size.
- Pay through the county’s approved channels and collect the permit.
- Renew by March 31 every year.
The common steps are in how to apply for a Single Business Permit. Compare with Nyamira and Kisumu permit fees.
FAQ
How much is a small business permit in Kericho Town?
KSh2,500 a year for a one-employee shop under 50m², under the Finance Act 2025.
Which towns are Zone A in Kericho?
Kericho Town and Litein Town.
When do Kericho permit penalties start?
After March 31: 3% a month cumulative plus 30% above the normal rate.
Updated October 2026.
Related: Kakamega County Business Permit Fees 2026: Trade Licence Costs, Requirements and Renewal
Related: Kilifi County Business Permit Fees: Rates for Malindi, Mtwapa, Watamu, Kilifi and Other Towns
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