Business · 4 min read
County business permit in Kenya: how to get yours
Every county licenses businesses in its area. Here is how the unified/single business permit works and how to apply.
By Dismus Nganyi · Published 7 November 2026
Registering a business with BRS is not a licence to trade. Your county also requires a business permit, renewed every year. Nairobi calls it the Unified Business Permit (UBP). Other counties may call it a Single Business Permit.
Who sets the rules
Each county sets its own fees, categories and process. The amount depends on your activity, size and location. Always use your county’s official website or portal for the current figure.
What you usually need
- Your BRS registration certificate or business name details
- KRA PIN of the business or owner
- Owner’s ID details
- Physical location of the premises, like plot or building details
- Any sector licence your activity needs, for example food or health
General steps
- 1Find your county’s official permit portal or office.
- 2Create or sign in to the account the county uses.
- 3Choose your business activity category honestly. The fee depends on it.
- 4Enter premises and business details.
- 5Pay the county invoice through the official channel only.
- 6Download or collect the permit and display it at your premises.
Tip: Permits run for a year. Note the renewal date so you avoid county penalties.
Keep your passwords, reset links and one-time codes private. Cyber Kenya can guide you and prepare details, but you complete sign-in and verification yourself. Any official government charge is separate from Cyber Kenya’s assistance fee.