Updated 1 November 2026
A travel agency licence Kenya operators need is issued by the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) as a Class C licence. Under Legal Notice No. 200 of 2025, a citizen-owned travel agency pays a one-off KSh 1,000 application fee and KSh 21,500 a year; a non-citizen pays US$100 to apply and US$1,500 a year. The licence expires every 31 December, covers only the office address you register, and must be shown to your county before it issues a business permit. Below are the documents, steps, renewal rules and extra approvals agencies selling flights usually need.
Updated 1 November 2026 from the Tourism (Tourism Enterprises) Regulations, 2025 and TRA’s Class C requirements page.
Travel agency licence Kenya fees
| Owner | Application fee (once) | Annual licence fee |
|---|---|---|
| Kenyan or EAC citizen | KSh 1,000 | KSh 21,500 |
| Non-citizen | US$100 | US$1,500 |
Source: Legal Notice No. 200 of 2025, First Schedule (c). A change to the licence (for example a new address) attracts a variation fee, and inspecting a TRA register costs KSh 3,000 per register.
If your agency also runs its own tours with vehicles, you need a separate tour or safari operator licence (also KSh 21,500 a year). See our tour operator licence guide.
Documents for a TRA travel agency licence (C04)
- Certificate of registration or incorporation
- CR12 for companies and/or ID copies of the directors or owner
- KRA PIN certificate of the business
- Entry or work permit if foreign-owned
- Professional certificates of the person running the agency (for example an IATA/UFTAA diploma or a tourism and travel certificate)
- Title deed or lease agreement for the office
- Evidence of at least US$100,000 investment if foreign-owned
The 2025 regulations also require proof of membership in a registered tourism sector association where applicable. Kenyan agencies commonly join the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA). Confirm with TRA whether membership is required for your category.
Source: TRA Class C licensing requirements, checked 1 November 2026.
How to get a travel agency licence in Kenya
- Register the company with the Business Registration Service. Start by reserving a business name on eCitizen.
- Get the company KRA PIN; see our company KRA PIN guide.
- Lease an office. TRA licences apply only to the physical address in the application.
- Hire a qualified manager whose certificates you will upload.
- Apply on TRA’s TRIMS portal and pay KSh 1,000.
- Inspection and approval. TRA may inspect, and may issue a provisional licence for up to three months while you finish outstanding requirements.
- Pay KSh 21,500 and display the licence at the office.
- Get the county permit using your TRA licence: single business permit guide.
Selling flights: IATA accreditation
The TRA licence lets you trade legally as a travel agency, but it does not let you issue airline tickets directly. To ticket through the airline settlement system you need IATA accreditation, which has its own financial checks and bank guarantee. Many new agencies start by booking through a consolidator or a larger IATA agency and add accreditation later. Check current terms on iata.org.
Renewal rules and penalties
- All TRA licences expire on 31 December. The Tourism Act asks you to renew three months early.
- Late applications attract a penalty of 10% of the fee for each month of default.
- Unlicensed enterprises may not list on digital booking or marketing platforms.
- Operating without a licence carries a fine of up to KSh 100,000, up to 18 months in prison, or both (section 112, Tourism Act).
- Keep client and staff records for at least five years and file monthly data with TRA.
Startup checklist and first-year TRA cost
| Item | Cost to TRA |
|---|---|
| Application fee | KSh 1,000 |
| Annual licence (year 1) | KSh 21,500 |
| Total TRA, year 1 | KSh 22,500 |
| Each later year | KSh 21,500 |
Your other costs (company registration, office rent, county permit, website and booking software) depend on your choices. A professional website with a booking form helps new agencies win trust; reliable Kenyan hosting such as Truehost (affiliate link) is a common starting point.
How clients can check a licensed travel agency
TRA publishes an “Entities Licensed by TRA” list on tra.go.ke. Before paying a deposit for a holiday or Umrah package, check the agency is on it and that the licence covers the address you are visiting.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a travel agency licence in Kenya?
KSh 1,000 once, then KSh 21,500 a year for Kenyan and EAC citizens; US$100 and US$1,500 a year for non-citizens.
Who issues travel agency licences in Kenya?
The Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA), under the Tourism Act and the Tourism (Tourism Enterprises) Regulations, 2025.
Can I run a travel agency from home?
TRA asks for a title deed or lease for the office, and the licence is tied to that physical address, so you need a premises you can document.
Does a TRA licence let me issue air tickets?
No. Direct ticketing needs IATA accreditation, which is separate from the TRA licence.
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