Updated 31 October 2026
A business permit in Kilifi County (trade licence or Single Business Permit) costs KSh3,000 a year for a small shop in Mtwapa, Watamu, Kilifi or Malindi, KSh2,500 in towns such as Mariakani and Mazeras, KSh1,250 in Kaloleni, Marafa and Ganze, and KSh1,000 elsewhere. The rates come from the Kilifi County Finance Act, 2024, and the rules from the Kilifi County Trade Licence Act, 2016, as summarised from the county’s published laws by Ask Gava in October 2026. Applications and payments are made online on the Kilifi eServices portal.
Business permit Kilifi County fees by town
| Business | Mtwapa, Watamu, Kilifi, Malindi and similar | Mariakani, Mazeras, Mambrui, Gongoni and similar | Kaloleni, Marafa, Ganze and similar | Other areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small shop or retail service (up to 3 staff, under 50m²) | KSh3,000 | KSh2,500 | KSh1,250 | KSh1,000 |
| Kiosk (light or temporary, under 5m²) | KSh2,400 | KSh2,000 | KSh1,000 | KSh800 |
| Medium shop or retail service (5–20 staff or 50–300m²) | KSh6,000 | KSh5,000 | KSh2,500 | KSh2,000 |
Hotels, bars, transport, tourism and professional services have their own categories in the Finance Act. Kilifi’s coastal tourism towns have many hospitality businesses, so check the specific category for guest houses, restaurants and short-stay rentals.
How to apply online
- Sign up on eportal.kilifi.go.ke or the Kilifi County eServices app (Android and iOS). A personal account needs your National ID number and first name; a business account needs the business registration number and full business name, plus your address, phone and email.
- Choose Business Permit on the dashboard and fill in the application.
- Upload the documents requested and track the application online.
- Pay by M-Pesa, Airtel Money, debit or credit card, or PesaLink.
- Print your receipt and permit from the portal.
Help: 0200 200 200 or eservices@kilifi.go.ke.
Deadlines and penalties
- Renewal: pay the fee on or before December 31 for the next year.
- Late payment: if not renewed by March 31, a penalty of 3% of the licence fee is added every month, compounded.
- Trading without a licence: a fine of up to KSh500,000.
One permit for related businesses
Unlike some counties, Kilifi allows one permit to cover several related businesses in the same premises if the same owner runs them. That can save money for, say, a shop that also sells airtime and household goods. Unrelated activities, or businesses run by different owners, need separate permits.
How Kilifi compares
Kilifi’s small-shop rates are low compared with major towns elsewhere. A small shop in Malindi pays KSh3,000, against KSh5,950 in Kakamega municipality and KSh10,000 in Kisumu City. The online portal also means traders can renew without visiting an office. Remember that fire, public health, signage and liquor fees may be charged separately.
The common process across counties is in how to apply for a Single Business Permit. Compare with Kakamega and Kericho permit fees.
FAQ
How much is a business permit in Malindi?
KSh3,000 a year for a small shop with up to three staff, and KSh6,000 for a medium shop.
Can I apply for a Kilifi business permit online?
Yes, on eportal.kilifi.go.ke or the Kilifi eServices app, paying by M-Pesa, Airtel Money, card or PesaLink.
What is the penalty for late renewal in Kilifi?
3% of the licence fee a month, compounded, from April 1.
Updated October 2026.
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