Updated 14 November 2026
KMA licence fees for maritime transport operators range from US$50 for a clearing agent’s first registration to US$3,000 for a foreign shipping line. A shipping agent or cargo consolidator pays US$500 for an initial licence and US$250 to renew it, while a local shipping line pays US$2,500 and then US$500 a year. The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) charges these fees in US dollars under the Merchant Shipping (Maritime Transport Operators) Regulations, 2024. Every registration expires on 31 December, so renewals fall due each year-end. This guide lists each fee, the documents KMA asks for and the online process.
Updated 14 November 2026. Figures come from the KMA Maritime Service Providers Licences page and its downloadable Fees Schedule for Maritime Transport Operators and MTO registration guideline, checked on 14 November 2026.
On this page
In this guide
KMA licence fees at a glance
| Operator | Initial fee (US$) | Annual renewal (US$) |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign shipping line | 3,000 | 1,000 |
| Local shipping line | 2,500 | 500 |
| Port facility operator | 1,500 | 750 |
| Container freight station | 1,000 | 500 |
| Shipping agent | 500 | 250 |
| Cargo consolidator | 500 | 250 |
| Empty container depot | 500 | 250 |
| Clearing agent | 50 | 30 |
Each category also pays a small non-refundable application processing fee, set out below. The fees are quoted in US dollars, and payment is made through eCitizen once KMA raises an invoice, so the shilling amount you pay depends on the rate applied on the day.
Who needs a KMA licence
The Merchant Shipping Act 2009 and the Merchant Shipping (Maritime Transport Operators) Regulations, 2024 require firms that provide shipping and port services to be registered or licensed by KMA. The authority groups them into two sets:
- Operators licensed directly by KMA: local shipping lines, foreign shipping lines (which receive a certificate of approval), shipping agents and cargo consolidators.
- Operators licensed by a related government agency but registered with KMA: clearing agents, empty container depots, container freight stations and port facility operators. These firms keep their main licence from bodies such as the Kenya Revenue Authority, and add a KMA registration on top.
This means a customs clearing firm needs both its KRA customs agent licence and its KMA registration. Our guide on how to get a clearing and forwarding licence in Kenya covers the KRA side.
KMA licence fees for operators licensed by KMA
| Category | Fee item | Amount (US$) |
|---|---|---|
| Local shipping line | Licence application processing fee | 15 |
| Initial licence fee | 2,500 | |
| Renewal fee | 500 | |
| Late renewal fee | 250 | |
| Foreign shipping line | Certificate of approval processing fee | 15 |
| Initial registration fee | 3,000 | |
| Renewal fee | 1,000 | |
| Late renewal fee | 500 | |
| Shipping agent | Licence application processing fee | 5 |
| Initial licence fee | 500 | |
| Renewal fee | 250 | |
| Late renewal fee | 125 | |
| Cargo consolidator | Licence application processing fee | 5 |
| Initial licence fee | 500 | |
| Renewal fee | 250 | |
| Late renewal fee | 125 |
The late renewal fee is charged on top of the normal renewal fee, so a shipping agent that renews late pays US$375 instead of US$250. For a foreign line, the penalty adds US$500.
KMA licence fees for operators licensed by another agency
| Category | Processing fee (US$) | Initial registration (US$) | Renewal (US$) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clearing agent | 5 | 50 | 30 |
| Empty container depot | 15 | 500 | 250 |
| Container freight station | 15 | 1,000 | 500 |
| Port facility operator | 15 | 1,500 | 750 |
The schedule lists no separate late fee for this group. Container freight stations and empty depots at Mombasa and the inland container depots pass some of these costs on in their storage and handling tariffs; see our breakdown of Nairobi and Naivasha ICD charges for the port-side costs importers see.
Documents you need for KMA registration
For operators licensed by another agency, KMA’s registration guideline asks new applicants for:
- A completed application form, dated and stamped, with the non-refundable processing fee.
- A certified or notarised copy of the certificate of incorporation or business registration.
- A certified, valid trading licence (single business permit).
- Proof of place of business.
- An up-to-date schedule of the tariffs you charge customers.
- Customer care procedures, including a complaints system.
- A certified copy of the CR12 showing directors and shareholders.
- Evidence of compliance with KMA’s performance standards.
Local shipping lines fill a longer form. It asks for the routes served, sailing frequency, type of service (liner, tramp, cruise or coaster), the local agent, shareholding by nationality, and cargo volumes loaded and discharged over the last two years, split into containerised, conventional and liquid cargo.
How to apply for a KMA licence online
- Lodge the application: apply through the KMA module on eCitizen and upload all supporting documents in PDF format.
- Pay the processing fee: KMA’s system generates a proforma invoice and sends a payment prompt to eCitizen. KMA puts this at one day.
- Vetting: the licensing officer checks the documents and confirms you have no outstanding transactions or queries. Rejected applications are sent back to your registered email.
- Approval: the Director General approves the application, and a certificate fee invoice is emailed to you.
- Pay and receive the certificate: once you pay on eCitizen, the receipt and the electronic registration certificate are emailed to you.
Each step after lodging is listed as taking one day, so a complete application can be finished within about a week if documents are in order.
Renewal deadlines and penalties
KMA registrations are valid for one year and expire on 31 December. In its process guide, KMA set the renewal window from 15 November to 15 December. Operators should check the KMA licensing page for this year’s notice, but planning to renew from mid-November avoids late fees and keeps the firm on KMA’s published list of duly licensed operators, which shipping lines and cargo owners use to vet partners.
Before you renew, update your tariff schedule and CR12, because KMA asks for current copies. Agents who also need KRA renewal should line up both at the same time. For what agents typically bill clients, see how clearing agents charge at Mombasa port, and for cargo documentation see our guide to the KenTrade single window system.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a KMA shipping agent licence?
A US$5 processing fee plus a US$500 initial licence fee. Renewal costs US$250 a year, or US$375 if you renew late.
Do clearing agents need to register with KMA?
Yes. Clearing agents keep their KRA licence but also register with KMA as maritime transport operators. The KMA fee is US$50 at first registration and US$30 a year to renew.
When do KMA licences expire?
Every KMA registration expires on 31 December and must be renewed for the next year. KMA’s guide sets a renewal window of 15 November to 15 December.
How do I pay KMA licence fees?
Through eCitizen. KMA’s system generates an invoice for the processing fee and, after approval, for the certificate fee; both are paid on eCitizen.
What is the KMA fee for a container freight station?
A US$15 processing fee, US$1,000 for initial registration and US$500 for each annual renewal.
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