What about who needs a licence?

The TRA says that all products and services listed in the Ninth Schedule of the Tourism Act, 2011 need licensing, and cites several provisions:

What about what class a covers?

Class A includes hotels, villas, serviced apartments and flats, game lodges, guest houses, homestays, eco-lodges, holiday cottages, beach cottages, hostels, tented camps, bandas and more.

What about documents by category?

The TRA lists these requirements on its Class A page:

What about how to apply?

The TRA directs applicants to its online licensing system through the "Application for Licence" link on its site and the Class A "kindly visit this link" instruction. Use the official TRA site, not agents who promise shortcuts.

What about what the pages do not state?

No fee schedule, no licence validity period and no processing time appears on the pages. Ask the TRA. Foreign owners should also check land ownership, county permits and tax separately, which the TRA pages do not cover.

Does a homestay need a TRA licence?

Yes, homestays are listed in Class A and require an ID copy of the owner, a KRA PIN certificate and a certificate of good conduct.

What happens if I renew late?

The TRA cites a penalty of 10 percent of the licence fee per month of delay.

Are inspections part of licensing?

Yes. The TRA says officers can inspect facilities for granting or renewing a licence.

What is the penalty for operating without a licence?

The TRA cites Section 112: a fine up to KES 100,000, imprisonment up to 18 months, or both.

What about once you are registered?

Registration makes you legal. Distribution makes you earn. If you plan to list on several booking sites, keep one registration number and one calendar in sync across all of them: the free channel manager guide explains how calendar sync works and where it falls short. Fursat's own guest inventory is in India, so if you also run a property there, start at /list-your-property. New to hosting in general? Read How to Start a Homestay in India for the basics that carry across markets.

Journal/Homestay Guides

3 min read · 7 October 2026

How to License a Homestay. Villa or Guest House in Kenya (TRA)

Kenya's Tourism Regulatory Authority licenses homestays, villas, guest houses and holiday cottages under Class A. Here are the documents by category and the legal duties on renewal.

Sneha Surana

kenyatrahomestay-licence

How to License a Homestay. Villa or Guest House in Kenya (TRA)

Keep reading.

Does a homestay need a TRA licence?

What happens if I renew late?

Are inspections part of licensing?

What is the penalty for operating without a licence?