If you want to start a business in Nairobi, you’ll need to get a business permit. This can be a bit confusing, especially if you’re not familiar with the process. In this blog post, we will walk you through the process of getting a single business permit in Nairobi. We will also provide some tips on how to make the process easier for you. Let’s get started.

You will need an internet connection, money in your mobile phone, contact information, and a company identity number to complete an online application or renewal. To get started, follow the below process: 

1. Go to the Nairobi County self-service portal and log in or establish an account with the essential contact information, then go to the unified business permit webpage and click on renew.
2. Enter your company’s identification number and the year you wish to apply for or renew your license.
3. You’ll be sent to the “Check Status” page, where you can see the company’s status and the application/renewal charges.
4. The website also includes the actual Nairobi City Council business permit fees for that year, as well as the amount you’ve been charged for any late payments, if any, and the prior year’s business licenses. Make a careful check of the information to ensure that everything is in order.
5. If it’s your first time, you’ll get a notification that says “a wallet does not contain any money.”
6. There is another link for top-up below the message; select it to continue top-up.
7. You’ll be sent to the Nairobi County E-wallet, where you’ll be asked to enter your phone number and the amount you’ll need to top up, as well as our password, before clicking submit.
8. The system will take you to a new page where you may choose your payment option.
9. Select your preferred payment option and continue to the checkout page. After that, you’ll be led back to the wallet has insufficient funds page, where you’ll be asked to fill out a form, after which you’ll be directed to the confirmation page.
10. When you’re satisfied with the information, input your pin and submit the information.
11. The system will give you two options: to print your business permit or to print the receipt.
12. Print the permit and then save it to your computer.
13. Finally, as required by law, display the downloaded business permit on the premises.

This is how you can get single business permit through online application. The same process can also be used during the renewal process once your permit expires.

Average Business Permit Cost in Nairobi

The following is an estimate of the cost of obtaining a business permit in Nairobi:

1. Ksh 200 is charged for the application.
2. Permit fee: Ksh 15,000 for a small workshop with up to 5 workers.

The cost of obtaining a business permit in Nairobi is affordable to anyone willing to start a business.

Documents Needed to Register a Business

These are the documents needed during the application process. You should ensure you have these documents to avoid inconveniences during the application process.

1. Copy of Company Pin Certificate 
2. Copy of Incorporation/Business Registration Certificate 
3. Physical location, land zone, and plot number 
4. National ID/passport number

These are documents required during registration of a business.

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