Updated 31 October 2026
A business permit in Kisumu County (trade licence) costs KSh10,000 a year for a small shop in Kisumu City and KSh5,000 in the other sub-counties, under the business licence schedule of the Kisumu County Finance Act, 2024. The Act lists approved rates for 2024/2025, and the county had not published a newer Finance Act on its downloads page when we checked in October 2026. Outside the city, most small and medium businesses pay half the city rate.
Business permit Kisumu County fees: shops and retail
| Business type | Kisumu City (KSh) | Other sub-counties (KSh) |
|---|---|---|
| Hyper-supermarket (1–100 employees, over 3,001 sq ft) | 150,000 | 150,000 |
| Mega store or wholesaler (1,000–3,000 sq ft) | 100,000 | 100,000 |
| Large retail trader (1,000–3,000 sq ft) | 35,000 | 17,500 |
| Medium trader, shop or retail service (50–300 sq ft) | 20,000 | 10,000 |
| Small trader, shop or retail service (under 50 sq ft) | 10,000 | 5,000 |
| Kiosk or temporary structure | 5,000 | 2,500 |
| Other general merchant shop and retail | 10,000 | 5,000 |
The general trader category covers wholesalers, supermarkets, butcheries, showrooms, boutiques, retail shops, chemists, LPG gas dealers, salons, barber shops, car washes and general supplies.
Hawkers and the informal sector
| Business type | Kisumu City (KSh) | Other sub-counties (KSh) |
|---|---|---|
| Hawker with motor vehicle, per year | 10,000 | 5,000 |
| Hawker without motor vehicle, per year | 5,000 | 2,500 |
| Semi-permanent trader, up to 2 people, verandah or temporary building | 7,000 | 3,500 |
| Other informal sector operation | 10,000 | 5,000 |
Transport, fuel and storage
| Business type | Kisumu City (KSh) | Other sub-counties (KSh) |
|---|---|---|
| Distribution within the county, 1–5 vehicles | 30,000 | 30,000 |
| Distribution, above 5 vehicles | 50,000 | 50,000 |
| Other transport company, 1 vehicle | 10,000 | 5,000 |
| Small petrol station (up to 3 pumps) | 20,000 | 10,000 |
| Medium petrol station | 40,000 | 20,000 |
| Large petrol station (over 6 pumps) | 60,000 | 30,000 |
| Small storage facility (up to 1,000 sq ft) | 15,000 | 15,000 |
| Small cold storage facility | 15,000 | 7,500 |
Other charges and penalties
- Application fee: KSh200.
- Inspection fee: KSh400.
- Registration of trade name: KSh1,000.
- Late payment penalty: 5% if the licence is paid after March 31.
Food businesses also need public health certificates, and bars need liquor licences under separate laws.
How to apply or renew
- Register your business with the Business Registration Service and get a KRA PIN.
- Apply or renew on the county’s e-services portal (eserviceskisumu.malipo.org) or at a county revenue office.
- Pay the assessed bill and download the permit.
- Renew before March 31 each year to avoid the 5% penalty.
The general process is in our guide on applying for a Single Business Permit. Compare Kisumu with Machakos permit fees and Kajiado permit fees.
Which category is my business?
Kisumu sets the category mainly by floor space, measured in square feet, and by the kind of business. A small salon, cosmetics shop or mobile phone accessories stall in a single small room is usually a small trader. A minimart or hardware with several staff and a bigger floor area is often assessed as a medium or large trader. If you run two different activities from one premises, such as a shop with a butchery, ask the revenue officer whether one combined licence applies or whether each activity is charged separately, and get the answer on the bill before you pay.
Keep last year’s permit and payment receipt, because the county uses them when renewing and when dealing with disputes over arrears. Traders who move premises should update their details, since the fee depends on location. Starting a building-supplies shop? Our guide on how to start a hardware business covers capital, stock and other licences.
Is Kisumu expensive for small traders?
Kisumu City’s KSh10,000 small-trader rate is higher than Machakos Town (KSh4,250) and Kitengela (KSh4,000 for a 1–3 person shop) under those counties’ current Finance Acts. Traders on a tight budget may find sub-county locations, where the rate is KSh5,000, easier to start in.
FAQ
How much is a small business permit in Kisumu City?
KSh10,000 a year for a small trader, shop or retail service, under the Finance Act 2024.
What is the penalty for paying late in Kisumu?
5% of the fee if paid after March 31.
How much does a hawker licence cost in Kisumu?
KSh5,000 a year in Kisumu City for a hawker without a vehicle, and KSh2,500 in other sub-counties.
Updated October 2026.
Related: Nyamira County Business Permit Fees 2025/2026: Single Business Permit Rates by Zone
Related: Kakamega County Business Permit Fees 2026: Trade Licence Costs, Requirements and Renewal
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