Kenya - Apply for Hotel, Lodge License or Permit

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Procedure

Apply Online
Step 1: Register with the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA), TRIMS Self-Service Portal:

1. Applicants should browse the TRIMS Self -Service Portal
2. On the Home page, hover the mouse cursor over the “Register” tab on the right top section of the page and click.
3. This will navigate the applicant to the “Registration” page, and populate all the available fields accurately before clicking on the “Register” tab.
4. Upon successful submission of the registration request, the applicant will receive a Registration submission notification on their device.
5. After approval, the TRA system will forward an email with the credentials that will be sent to the user's registered email address to facilitate access to the portal.

Step 2: Register the Company/Business with the TRIMS Self-Service Portal

1. Once logged in to the portal the user will be required to register the Company/Business with the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA), through the TRIMS Self-Service Portal.
2. On the Home page, hover the mouse cursor over the “Register an Entity” tab at the bottom of the page and click on it.
3. The “Entity Registration Form” page will be displayed, populate all the available fields accurately, upload all the necessary documents against all the upload tabs then click on the “Next” tab.
4. This will prompt the “License Application Form” page to be displayed, Populate all the available fields accurately, upload all the necessary documents against all the upload tabs then click on the “Submit” tab.
5. Upon successful submission of the registration request, the applicant will receive a submission notification on their device.

Step 3: The application undergoes Verification with the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA)

1. Upon receipt of the application request, the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) registration and licensing office will start the vetting process to ensure that the applicant is a legitimate company.
2. After a successful document evaluation phase has been completed satisfactorily, the TRIMS system will forward an approval notification email to the applicant.

Step 4: Payment of the applicable fees

1. The system will auto-generate an invoice for the applicant to pay the due fee and forward it to the applicant's TRIMS Self-Service Portal account, under “Invoice Management”. Please refer to the “Fees” section of this page for more information.
2. The payment should be channelled using the TRA preferable payment mode as listed under the “Fees” section of this page.
3. Upon making payment, the applicant is required to share the proof of payment (payment details) with the Authority.
4. Once payment is received the TRIMS system will forward the applicant with a payment receipt.

Step 5: Inspection of the premises

1. The TRA licensing Registry shall contact the applicant and schedule an inspection visit.
2. During the inspection visit, the owner or a representative should be present and should supply the inspector with all requested documentation and information.
3. The applicant, together with the inspector, will be required to sign on the inspection findings. A copy of the inspection finding will be issued to the applicant, any discrepancies will be brought to the attention of the applicant and corrective action must be taken before the facility is registered and licensed by the Authority.

Step 6: Obtain the Hotel License.

1. Upon approval by the Authority, the applicant will be notified by email and the license will be sent to the applicant to print.
2. The system will also email the applicant with a guide instruction on how to access and download the license.

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Required Documents

For Entity Registration the following documents are required:

• Business Registration Certificate (CR12)
• Single Business Permit
• Income Tax Certificate (PIN)
• Appointment Letter

Required documents for Hotel License:

• Submission of fully-filled online Tourism License Application Form
• Certificate of registration / Incorporation of company
• Memorandum and Articles of Association of company
• Copy of menu and tariff where applicable
• Copy of the current health clearance certificate (less than three months old)
• Medical Certificate of food handlers
• CV and professional certificates of the Manager
• Manager’s letter of appointment
• Entry permit for all non- Kenyans working in the facility and affidavit for non-resident director(s)
• Lease agreement/ copy of title deed of premises occupied by the hotel
• Letter of ‘no objection’ from NEMA
• EIA for new facilities / environmental audit for existing facilities
• Compliance with tourism or area development plans
• Evidence of insurance cover for the premises

Office Locations & Contacts

Tourism Regulatory Authority - Head Office,
Utalii House,5th Floor,
Utalii Lane, off Uhuru Highway
P.O. Box 25357-00100,
Nairobi, KENYA
Telephone: +254 0701-444777Email: [email protected]
Website Link

Eligibility

Any person or entity that wishes to undertake or engage in a tourism activity or service i.e.(Hotel) is eligible to apply.

Fees

Hotel License fee payable

Payable to;-

• Account Name: Tourism Regulatory Authority
• Account No. : 1178921034
• KCB Bank: University Way Branch

NB

• Late payments for all licenses attract a penalty of 10% of the applicable license fee for every month delayed.
• License fee clusters are provided for in the legal notice number 128 September 2014
• All payments MUST be made by cash deposit into the above account.

Validity

• The license shall be renewed annually, unless, revoked, canceled, or suspended by the Authority.
• Holders of the license are required to renew their license at least 30 days before the expiration of the current license.

Documents to Use

• Tourism License Application Form

Sample Documents

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Processing Time

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Related Videos

Videos explaining the procedure or to fill the applications.
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Instructions

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Required Information

• Name of Company/Person to be licensed (The Company’s or person’s name should be stated in full.
• Contact Details
• Income Tax Personal Identification Number (PIN).
• Short description of the applicant's licensable activity or service
• Registration certificate: Certificate No.
• Name and address of the bank or financial institution where the business account is maintained
• Full name(s) of proprietor(s) or managing director if a Limited Company/ Residential Address/ Age, country of birth, present nationality
• Partners/directors/shareholders Personal details
• Declaration by the applicant

Need for the Document

• All individuals, businesses, and enterprises that wish to deal with tourism activities such as operating a Hotel in Kenya are required to be registered by the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) and obtain a hotel license before commencing operation.
• A person should not, for gain or reward or hire operate a Hotel business, unless they have a valid license issued by the Authority.

Information which might help

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Other uses of the Document/Certificate

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e.g. Birth Certificate can be used as proof of identity.

External Links

Kenya-Tourism Act

Others

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