How to Apply for an Investment Certificate in Kenya

An investment certificate is a legal authorization facilitation granted by the government to a person or companies wishing to engage in business activities within the country.

This license is typically issued by the Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) and serves to regulate foreign and domestic investments, ensuring that they comply with local laws and regulations.

An investment license in Kenya is essential for several reasons; 

• It grants the investor assistance with obtaining any additional licenses needed for their operations, excluding health, security, and environmental certificates, for up to one year. 
•  It entitles the investor to three class D entry permits for management or technical staff and three class C, F, or G entry permits for owners, shareholders, or partners for a period of up to two years.

These benefits facilitate smoother business operations and help ensure compliance with local regulations.

READ MORE : Work Permit for Investors and Business Owners in Kenya

To obtain an investment license in Kenya foreign investors are required to have invested a minimum of $100,000, while local investors need to have invested at least KES 1,000,000. 

To apply for an investment license in Kenya, several key documents are required:- 

1. A completed Investment Application Form on the Kenya Investment Single Window (KISW) portal.
2. A copy of the directors' passports, showing the bio data page.
3. A cover letter outlining the application’s purpose.
4.  The Memorandum and Articles of Association detailing the company's structure.
5. A Certificate of Incorporation to verify business registration.
6. Details of the planned investment, including activities, projects, and location.
7. Proof of investment to demonstrate financial commitment.

1. Applicants should submit their application to the Kenya Investment Authority. This service is accessible online via the Kenya Investment Single Window. 
2. Alternatively, a person can visit the Kenya Investment Authority office to obtain an application form and receive assistance.
3. Applicants must accurately complete the application form and write a cover letter addressed to the Managing Director of the Kenya Investment Authority, detailing their company's activities. 
4. All required supporting documents, as listed in the "Required Documents" section, should be attached along with the cover letter to create a single file.
5. The completed application should be submitted at no cost by visiting the investor services department at the Kenya Investment Authority office. The officer responsible will receive and verify your submission.
6. After verification, an acknowledgment letter will be issued by the authority. Subsequently, applicants will be informed of a scheduled inspection date to confirm their company's existence or project viability; this inspection's timing depends on applicant availability.
7. Once this inspection is successfully completed and authenticity confirmed, the Kenya Investment Authority will prepare and issue an Investor’s certificate to the applicant.

The application undergoes processing within a 7-day timeframe.

Investors locating their investment in a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) or an Export Processing Zone (EPZ), are required to make their application for investment facilitation with the Special Economic Zones Authority or the Export Processing Zones Authority .

Kenya offers numerous investment opportunities with various incentives, but it is important to adhere to the country's investment laws.

The Kenya Investment Authority has the authority to suspend, revoke, or cancel investment licenses if investors fail to comply with these requirements.

Specifically, if investors do not execute their registered projects across different regions of the country or if a license remains inactive for more than three years after issuance, the Authority may cancel it.

During the certificate application process, Keninvest offers valuable assistance, incentives and support services to assist applicants.

Applicants can specify which procedures they need support with:

• Obtain a PIN for foreign directors, shareholders, or the business.
• Open a bank account.
• Obtain work permits for foreign employees or investors.
• Obtain tax and customs exemptions.

These services are designed to streamline the application process and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.

Office Locations & Contacts

Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) Head Office:
UAP Old Mutual Towers,
14th and 15th floor, Upperhill
P. O BOX 55704 - 00200 Nairobi, Kenya
Pilot Lines: +254 (730) 104-200 | +254 (730) 104-210
Email: info@invest.go.ke  | Website: www.invest.go.ke

Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest)

Kenya Investment Single Window (KISW) Portal

Kenya's Investment Facilitation Portal