Required Documentation: Kenya
The four documents Explola requires for operators based in Kenya — issued by the Tourism Regulatory Authority, the Registrar of Companies, and the Kenya Revenue Authority.
On this page (7 sections)
What's required to operate from Kenya
Kenya's tourism regulator is the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA). Tax compliance is verified by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), and company registration goes through the Registrar of Companies. Four current documents are required.
1. TRA Tourism Licence
Issued by: Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA)
Your active Tourism Licence in the operator category that matches your services. Checked annually — Kenya re-issues licences each year following an inspection.
2. Certificate of Incorporation
Issued by: Registrar of Companies
Proves your company legally exists in Kenya. One-time document; only re-upload if your company details change.
3. KRA Tax Compliance Certificate
Issued by: Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
Confirms your business is current with tax obligations. The KRA issues these for fixed periods (typically annually) — renew before expiry.
4. CR-12 (Companies Act) Form
Issued by: Registrar of Companies
The CR-12 lists every shareholder of your company along with their shareholding. Used exclusively for our KYC review — not visible to travellers or other operators.
Sole proprietors
If you operate as a sole proprietor, submit a Certificate of Registration (Form BN/3) in place of the Certificate of Incorporation. If you're the sole owner, no separate CR-12 is required.
Renewals
Both the TRA Tourism Licence and the KRA Tax Compliance Certificate expire annually. Explola sends reminders at 30, 7, and 0 days before expiry. A 14-day grace period follows expiry — renew within it to keep your Kenya tours live without interruption.
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