Kenya Launches New Tourism Framework With Fresh Licence Rules And Stronger Industry Standards
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New Tourism Laws Put Stronger Licensing and Tighter Standards on Kenya’s Tourism Businesses. Kenya is embracing some major changes in the way it manages tourism. One significant aspect is the introduction of the Tourism (Tourism Enterprises) Regulations, 2026. These new regulations bring increased order and level of legislation in Kenya’s tourism industry. The new laws introduce increased and more stringent requirements for tourism-related businesses to obtain and retain tourism-related licenses. These new tourism laws require hotels, restaurants, tour and travel businesses and other enterprises to put in applications for licenses. The new legislation also introduces new operational standards in tourism businesses.
The new framework, published under Legal Notice No. 127 of 2026, places the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) at the centre of tourism business regulation. The regulations are designed to improve service quality, strengthen accountability and ensure tourism operators follow recognised industry standards.
New Licensing System For Kenya Tourism Businesses
Under the proposed regulations, all tourism enterprises covered under the law must obtain a renewable licence before starting or continuing operations. The licence will remain valid until December 31 of the year it is issued and businesses will need to renew their approval annually.
Tourism businesses applying for licences must provide important documents, including business registration details, ownership information, Kenya Revenue Authority PIN details and other documents depending on the type of tourism activity.
The regulations cover a wide range of businesses, including accommodation facilities, restaurants, safari companies, tour operators, travel agencies, tourist transport providers, air charter operators, water sports businesses and nature-based tourism enterprises.
The TRA will have the authority to issue licences, inspect businesses and take enforcement action against operators that fail to comply with the new requirements.
New Tourism Licence Fees Based On Business Category
The new framework introduces different licence fees depending on the size, category and nature of each tourism enterprise.
Accommodation businesses are classified under Class A. This category includes hotels, motels, guest houses, homestays, eco-lodges, holiday cottages, beach cottages, villas, game lodges and tented camps.
Small accommodation establishments with between one and ten beds and charging KSh 1,500 or less per night will pay an annual licence fee of KSh 8,500. Similar businesses charging above KSh 1,500 will pay KSh 12,000 annually.
Larger accommodation facilities with more than 301 beds and additional services such as restaurants, bars, swimming pools, sports facilities, health clubs, casinos, golf facilities or racecourses will pay an annual licence fee of KSh 65,000.
Safari and mobile tented camps will attract an annual fee of KSh 72,000, while villas will be charged KSh 37,000. Game lodges will pay between KSh 30,000 and KSh 51,000 depending on their category and available facilities.
Restaurants And Tourism Service Providers Face Updated Charges
Restaurants fall under Class B of the new tourism licensing structure. Their licence fees will depend on annual gross revenue.
Restaurants that have not previously operated or generate less than KSh 2 million in annual revenue will pay KSh 16,000 per year.
Businesses earning more than KSh 2 million but not exceeding KSh 3 million will pay KSh 20,500 annually, while restaurants with annual revenue above KSh 7 million will face a fee of KSh 85,000.
Class C covers tour operators, safari companies, travel agencies, tourist vehicle hire businesses, water sports operators and boat excursion providers.
Kenyan tour and safari operators will pay an application fee of KSh 1,000 and an annual licence fee of KSh 21,500.
Local air charter and balloon operators will pay KSh 89,500 annually.
Foreign tourism operators will face higher charges, with foreign tour operators and travel agencies required to pay an application fee of KSh 12,956 and an annual licence fee of approximately KSh 194,334.
Foreign-owned local air charter and balloon operators will pay about KSh 233,201 annually.
Tourist vehicles and vessels will also require stickers, with locally registered vehicles attracting an annual fee of KSh 1,000 and foreign-registered vehicles requiring a six-month sticker costing KSh 64,778.
Stronger Classification And Accreditation Requirements
The regulations introduce separate charges for tourism classification and accreditation.
Class A and Class B businesses seeking classification or reclassification will need to pay a classification fee of KSh 250,000. They will also pay an accreditation fee of KSh 100,000 in addition to their annual operating licence charges.
The classification system aims to ensure tourism facilities meet defined standards and provide consistent services to visitors.
The regulations also introduce mandatory requirements covering hygiene, sanitation, food safety, fire protection, security measures, emergency response procedures and waste management.
Tourism businesses will also need to follow rules related to employee standards, customer care, facility management and sustainable resource use.
Environmental measures include waste reduction, recycling initiatives and efficient use of water and energy resources.
Tougher Enforcement And Penalties For Non Compliance
The new tourism framework gives TRA increased powers to monitor and enforce compliance across the sector.
The authority will conduct inspections to ensure businesses follow licensing conditions and operational standards.
Companies that breach the regulations could face penalties, including fines of up to KSh 1 million, imprisonment of up to six months, or both.
Businesses that falsely advertise unauthorised classifications or star ratings may also face enforcement action.
The introduction of these regulations represents a significant change for Kenya’s tourism industry. By creating a stronger licensing system, clearer business classifications and stricter operational standards, the framework aims to build a more structured tourism environment while ensuring operators meet quality and safety expectations.
New regulations for the tourism industry in Kenya include updates to business licensing, classification systems and professional conduct standards. The updates are intended to improve the quality and safety of tourism businesses. Businesses will also be expected to be more compliant and accountable.
As the regulations move through the approval process, tourism businesses across Kenya are preparing for changes that could reshape how the sector operates in the coming years.
