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Single Business Permit: How to Get One in Nairobi & Other Counties

📅 16 May 2026 · ✅ Last verified: 12 October 2026 · 📖 6 min read · Registration & Legal
Black Kenyan shopkeeper preparing a neutral single-business-permit application at the storefront
Original editorial artwork; no official interface or endorsement depicted.

A county trade licence — often called a Single Business Permit (SBP) or Unified Business Permit (UBP) — may be required for a business operating in that county. The applicable county law sets who needs one, any exemptions, fees, and application steps. Professional-practice licences are separate.

💡 Fees Vary by County Fees depend on county, business category, size, and location. Check your specific county’s current fee schedule before budgeting.

1. What Is a Single Business Permit?

County governments issue trade licences under county law. Some combine trading fees and selected service clearances into one permit, but the name and bundled services vary. The Constitution assigns counties trade licensing while excluding regulation of professions. Nairobi, for example, has its own Trade Licensing Act and Unified Business Permit portal.

2. Costs by County (Older illustration only)

  • Historical planning reference only: Prior guides have quoted KES 5,000–75,000+ for Nairobi. This is not a verified current tariff or a reliable quote for your business. Check your county’s current schedule and obtain an assessment through its official licensing portal.

Charges depend on the county’s current schedule and the applicable business category. Nairobi’s UBP portal assesses charges based on the business details entered; the amount shown is specific to that application.

3. How to Apply

  1. Visit your county government's revenue portal or office
  2. Fill the Single Business Permit application form
  3. Attach required documents (see section 4)
  4. Pay the permit fee via M-Pesa, bank transfer, or at the county office
  5. After the county reviews the application and payment, download or collect the permit as directed; processing and delivery vary by county

4. Required Documents

  • Certificate of business registration (or incorporation)
  • KRA PIN certificate
  • Lease agreement or rent receipt (proof of business premises)
  • Landlord's KRA PIN (required by some counties)
  • Health inspection report (for food-related businesses)
  • Fire clearance certificate (for larger premises)

5. Renewal

Validity, renewal dates, and late-payment consequences are set by the relevant county law and current permit terms. Check the permit and county fee schedule for your business category; do not assume a national 31 December expiry date or a uniform January–March renewal window or percentage penalty.

Some counties provide online application or renewal. Use the official portal listed by your county; Nairobi’s licensing service is available through the Nairobi UBP portal.

6. What Happens If You Don't Have One?

  • If your county law requires a licence for your activity, operating without a valid one may lead to enforcement under that law. The available measures and penalties vary by county and circumstances.
  • Ask the county licensing office to identify the legal provision that applies to your business before responding to a notice or payment demand.

7. Tips for a Smooth Application

  • Check your business classification before applying — wrong classification means wrong fee
  • Allow time for any county review or inspection, and check your county portal for the current application timeline
  • Keep digital copies of all documents
  • Check your county’s current schedule for the renewal deadline and any authorized early-payment discount
  • If your activity requires a county trade licence in more than one county, check each county’s own law and application process

8. Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Single Business Permit (SBP)?

It is a county business-licensing document. The activities it covers, fees, validity and any bundled approvals depend on the county’s law and permit terms. Check which licence your activity requires; do not assume one document replaces every sector-specific approval.

How much does a Single Business Permit cost?

There is no single national fee. County, business category, size and location determine the charge; the Nairobi figure below is an older illustrative estimate, so confirm the current county schedule.

How do I apply for the permit?

The "How to Apply" section walks through the application and required documents.

What happens if I operate without one?

The "What Happens If You Don't Have One?" section explains the consequences — renew before it lapses (see "Renewal").

Related Guides

⚠️ Disclaimer: Business permit fees vary by county and change periodically. Contact your county government's finance or trade department for current fees. Verify requirements at your county government website.

Sources and update record

Updated 26 October 2026: Aligned opening and discovery summaries with the qualifications in the researched article.