COUNTY GUIDE

County business permits in all 47 counties

What each county calls its permit, where to apply and pay, and how long it lasts. 15 counties have an online channel we could confirm; for the rest, apply at the county or sub-county revenue office.

Checked November 2026. Fees change every year with each county Finance Act, so always use the amount on your county invoice.

Rules that apply in every county

Every premises (each branch) needs its own county business permit.
Under the County Licensing (Uniform Procedures) Act, 2024, counties run a single application process, a licence for a business running a year or more is valid for one year from the date of issue, and counties must offer online licensing by December 2027.
Health, hygiene and safety compliance is a condition for getting the licence.
Fees are set each year in the county Finance Act and depend on activity, size, staff and zone. Use the amount on the county invoice.
Pay only with the bill number from the county’s own invoice or portal. Never pay a permit fee to a personal number or a paybill someone gives you verbally.

47 of 47 shown

001Mombasa

HQ: Mombasa

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: Mombasa County e-services portal
Valid for: Calendar year (ends 31 December)
County website: mombasa.go.ke

Apply and pay online; a provisional permit is issued on payment so you can trade before the inspection, then the final permit is issued.
Alcoholic drinks licences are applied for on the same e-services portal.
Fire, public health and weights and measures approvals depend on your activity and may be billed separately.

Sources: Kenya eRegulations — county procedures

002Kwale

HQ: Kwale (largest town: Ukunda)

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: County or sub-county revenue office
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: kwale.go.ke

Revenue offices are at the county headquarters in Matuga and the sub-county offices.

Sources: Kenya eRegulations — Kwale revenue offices

003Kilifi

HQ: Kilifi

Permit: Unified Business Permit (UBP)
Apply and pay: Kilifi public portal (also the Kilifi App on Android and iOS)
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: kilifi.go.ke

Create an account, apply for the UBP, pay through the portal and download the receipt and permit.
Main towns with their own fee bands include Malindi, Mtwapa, Watamu and Kilifi.
Safaricom MyCounty app (M-PESA) also lists this county for permit payments.

Sources: Kilifi County — Unified Business Permit

004Tana River

HQ: Hola

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: County or sub-county revenue office
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: tanariver.go.ke

005Lamu

HQ: Lamu

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: County or sub-county revenue office
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: lamu.go.ke

006Taita-Taveta

HQ: Wundanyi (governor’s office in Mwatate)

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: County or sub-county revenue office
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: taitataveta.go.ke

The county collects revenue online, but we have not confirmed a public self-service permit portal. Ask the revenue office for an invoice and pay against its bill number.
A current Single Business Permit is a standard requirement for county supplier registration.

Sources: The Standard — Taita Taveta online revenue collection (Aug 2025)

007Garissa

HQ: Garissa

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: County or sub-county revenue office
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: garissa.go.ke

008Wajir

HQ: Wajir

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: County or sub-county revenue office
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: wajir.go.ke

009Mandera

HQ: Mandera

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: County or sub-county revenue office
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: mandera.go.ke

010Marsabit

HQ: Marsabit

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: County or sub-county revenue office
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: marsabit.go.ke

011Isiolo

HQ: Isiolo

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: County or sub-county revenue office
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: isiolo.go.ke

012Meru

HQ: Meru

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: Revenue e-Services link on the county website · USSD *414#
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: meru.go.ke

Revenue is collected by the Meru County Revenue Board. Permits, parking, market and advertising fees are paid cashless through the county’s JamboPay system, including USSD *414#.
County contact centre: 0709 241 000.

Sources: Nation — Meru contracts JamboPay · Kenya eRegulations — county procedures

013Tharaka-Nithi

HQ: Kathwana

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: County or sub-county revenue office
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: tharakanithi.go.ke

The county website links to an M-Pesa payment portal; get the invoice from the revenue office first. Toll-free line: 0800 720 370.

Sources: Tharaka Nithi County website

014Embu

HQ: Embu

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: County or sub-county revenue office
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: embu.go.ke

015Kitui

HQ: Kitui

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: County or sub-county revenue office
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: kitui.go.ke

Safaricom MyCounty app (M-PESA) also lists this county for permit payments.

016Machakos

HQ: Machakos

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: Machakos Citizen Self-Service Portal
Valid for: Calendar year (ends 31 December) · renew by 31 March
County website: machakos.go.ke

Renewals and payment are due by 31 March each year; the county charges penalties after that.
New permits: download the application form from the county website, send it to the revenue office (email or the county WhatsApp line), the premises are inspected, then the permit is approved.
A one-stop revenue desk operates across the county’s 40 wards.
Licensed businesses can use the free county Biashara app for bookkeeping.

Sources: Machakos County — New SBP process · Radio Generation — 31 March 2026 renewal notice

017Makueni

HQ: Wote

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: MyMakueni County app (Safaricom)
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: makueni.go.ke

Makueni was the first county on the MyCounty / MyMakueni app, which takes single business permit, liquor licence and market fee payments.
Safaricom MyCounty app (M-PESA) also lists this county for permit payments.

Sources: Makueni County — digital services success story

018Nyandarua

HQ: Ol Kalou

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: County or sub-county revenue office
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: nyandarua.go.ke

019Nyeri

HQ: Nyeri

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: County or sub-county revenue office
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: nyeri.go.ke

The procedure is published on Kenya eRegulations (KenInvest).

Sources: Kenya eRegulations — county procedures

020Kirinyaga

HQ: Kutus

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: County or sub-county revenue office
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: kirinyaga.go.ke

021Murang'a

HQ: Murang'a

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: County revenue e-portal (link on the county website)
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: muranga.go.ke

All revenue collection is automated; you can apply for the permit on the county e-portal and print it.

Sources: Council of Governors — Murang’a online automation

022Kiambu

HQ: Kiambu

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: Kiambu County Revenue Authority eServices · USSD *476#
Valid for: 12 months from the date of issue
County website: kiambu.go.ke

Run by the Kiambu County Revenue Authority (KCRA).
The county moved small traders to a single permit covering several licence fees, valid 12 months from the date it is acquired.
Advertising and signage permits are handled by Physical Planning and billed separately; fees vary by zone (A, B, C), business size and type.

Sources: Kenyans.co.ke — Kiambu single permit, 12-month validity · PaybillKE — Kiambu business permit

023Turkana

HQ: Lodwar

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: County or sub-county revenue office
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: turkana.go.ke

024West Pokot

HQ: Kapenguria

Permit: Trade licence (Single Business Permit)
Apply and pay: County or sub-county revenue office
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: westpokot.go.ke

Licensing follows the West Pokot County Trade Licence Act, 2015 and the current Finance Act, both published on the county website. Help line: 053 201 4000.

Sources: West Pokot County — Acts

025Samburu

HQ: Maralal

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: County or sub-county revenue office
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: samburu.go.ke

Safaricom MyCounty app (M-PESA) also lists this county for permit payments.

026Trans Nzoia

HQ: Kitale

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: Erev app (linked from the county website)
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: transnzoia.go.ke

The county website links to its Erev revenue app; confirm the bill with the revenue office before paying.

Sources: Trans Nzoia County website

027Uasin Gishu

HQ: Eldoret

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: Uasin Gishu County self-help portal
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: uasingishu.go.ke

Apply online on the self-help portal, or in person at the Uasin Gishu County Service Centre, a one-stop office for permits, fire compliance, public health, signage, weights and measures and liquor licences.
The revenue system is called Sisibo Pay. Fees are set by zone (Eldoret municipality, townships, sub-counties), plus an application fee.
Safaricom MyCounty app (M-PESA) also lists this county for permit payments.

Sources: Uasin Gishu revenue portal · Uasin Gishu — one-stop service centre

028Elgeyo-Marakwet

HQ: Iten

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: County or sub-county revenue office
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: elgeyomarakwet.go.ke

Safaricom MyCounty app (M-PESA) also lists this county for permit payments.

029Nandi

HQ: Kapsabet

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: County or sub-county revenue office
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: nandi.go.ke

030Baringo

HQ: Kabarnet

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: County or sub-county revenue office
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: baringo.go.ke

031Laikipia

HQ: Rumuruti (largest town: Nanyuki)

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: County or sub-county revenue office
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: laikipia.go.ke

Apply at the county government offices once the business is registered and has its documents.

Sources: Laikipia County — regulations

032Nakuru

HQ: Nakuru

Permit: Unified Business Permit (UBP)
Apply and pay: NakuruPay
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
Included: Business, fire, food and health, and advertising approvals in one permit
County website: nakuru.go.ke

The UBP combines the business, fire, food, health and advertising licences into one annual permit.
The county has previously given a grace period to 30 April for payment.

Sources: Nation — Nakuru rolls out unified permit · County Licensing (Uniform Procedures) Act, 2024 — summary

033Narok

HQ: Narok

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: County or sub-county revenue office
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: narok.go.ke

Safaricom MyCounty app (M-PESA) also lists this county for permit payments.

034Kajiado

HQ: Kajiado

Permit: Single Business Permit (trade licence)
Apply and pay: Kajiado county e-payments · Kajiado self-service portal
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: kajiado.go.ke

The county does not publish an M-PESA paybill. Treat any “Kajiado paybill” given to you verbally with suspicion and pay only through the official portals.
Fees use Zone A (Kitengela, Kajiado and Ngong municipalities) and Zone B (all other areas). Short-stay rentals are charged per unit.
Safaricom MyCounty app (M-PESA) also lists this county for permit payments.

Sources: PaybillKE — Kajiado has no paybill

035Kericho

HQ: Kericho

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: County or sub-county revenue office
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: kericho.go.ke

036Bomet

HQ: Bomet

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: BometPay · USSD *863#
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: bomet.go.ke

USSD *863# is available from 1 July 2026.
Safaricom MyCounty app (M-PESA) also lists this county for permit payments.

037Kakamega

HQ: Kakamega

Permit: Single Business Permit (trade licence)
Apply and pay: Kakamega County Revenue Agency
Valid for: Calendar year (ends 31 December)
County website: kakamega.go.ke

Fees are paid to the Kakamega County Revenue Agency (KCRA). Permits expire on 31 December whatever the date of issue.
New businesses pay a one-off application fee. Help lines: 056 203 1850, info@kakamega.go.ke.

Sources: Kakamega County Revenue Agency

038Vihiga

HQ: Mbale

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: County or sub-county revenue office
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: vihiga.go.ke

039Bungoma

HQ: Bungoma

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: County or sub-county revenue office
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: bungoma.go.ke

040Busia

HQ: Busia

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: County or sub-county revenue office
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: busia.go.ke

Safaricom MyCounty app (M-PESA) also lists this county for permit payments.

041Siaya

HQ: Siaya

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: County or sub-county revenue office
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: siaya.go.ke

042Kisumu

HQ: Kisumu

Permit: Trade licence (Single Business Permit)
Apply and pay: Kisumu County e-services
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: kisumu.go.ke

Apply and pay online on the county e-services portal.

Sources: County Licensing (Uniform Procedures) Act, 2024 — summary

043Homa Bay

HQ: Homa Bay

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: County or sub-county revenue office
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: homabay.go.ke

Revenue is collected by the Homa Bay County Revenue Board. Tariffs are in the HBC Tariffs and Pricing Policy 2026, available on the county website. Toll-free: 0800 000 889.

Sources: Homa Bay County downloads

044Migori

HQ: Migori

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: County or sub-county revenue office
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: migori.go.ke

045Kisii

HQ: Kisii

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: County or sub-county revenue office
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: kisii.go.ke

046Nyamira

HQ: Nyamira

Permit: Single Business Permit
Apply and pay: County or sub-county revenue office
Valid for: Use the expiry printed on your permit
County website: nyamira.go.ke

Fees are set by zone in the county Finance Act.

047Nairobi City

HQ: Nairobi

Permit: Unified Business Permit (UBP)
Apply and pay: Nairobi Services portal (NairobiPay) · USSD *647#
Valid for: 12 months from the date of issue
Included: Business, fire, food and health, and advertising approvals in one permit
County website: nairobi.go.ke

The UBP combines the business permit, fire clearance, food hygiene, pest control, health certificates and advertising into one licence.
Apply online, by USSD *647#, or at the customer service centre at City Hall Annex. Each premises needs its own permit.
Fees follow the Nairobi City County Finance Act; payment can be annual, half-yearly or quarterly. Operating without a permit can attract a fine of up to KSh 50,000.
Liquor licences are applied for separately on the LiquorPay platform.
Safaricom MyCounty app (M-PESA) also lists this county for permit payments.

Sources: The Star — how to pay for the UBP · County Licensing (Uniform Procedures) Act, 2024 — summary

Have a newer portal link, a renewal deadline or a correction for your county? Tell us and we will update the guide. Add your business to track each branch’s permit expiry and get reminders.