Get a fishing licence or register a fishing boat
Kenya Fisheries Service · sources read 2 Oct 2026
Apply for a KeFS fishing licence on eCitizen. A small-scale (artisanal) fisherman's licence costs KSh 500 and registering an artisanal boat costs KSh 500, both usually ready within 7 working days.
- Fee
- KSh 500Artisanal fisherman's / aquarium licenceKSh 500Registration of an artisanal boatKSh 1,000Fisherman's licence, Kenyan crew on semi-industrial / industrial vesselsKSh 10,000Fisherman's licence, foreign crew on semi-industrial / industrial vesselsKSh 200Sport fishing licenceKSh 200Trout fishing licence, 2 weeksKSh 300Trout fishing licence, 1 monthKSh 4,000Trout fishing licence, 1 yearKSh 200,000Licence for a Kenyan semi-industrial / industrial fishing vessel
- How long
- Within 7 working days for artisanal licences and boats; up to 30 working days for semi-industrial/industrial vessels and foreign crew
- Where
- Online on eCitizen (Kenya Fisheries Service). For small-scale fishing, start at your Beach Management Unit (BMU). KeFS head office: 13th Floor, SHA Building, Community Area, Nairobi.
Steps
- Apply for the licence or boat registration on eCitizen (Kenya Fisheries Service).
- For a local boat or small-scale fishing, fill the form through your Beach Management Unit (BMU). The BMU checks it and sends it to the County Director of Fisheries.
- The County Director sends it through the regional office to the KeFS Director General for a decision.
- If approved, pay the fee and you are issued the licence.
Watch out
- Licences to process, move or trade fish (and crustacean dealer licences) come from your county government, not KeFS.
- Licences for semi-industrial and industrial Kenyan vessels cost KSh 200,000 and can take up to 30 working days.
- Foreign industrial vessels are background-checked for illegal, unreported or unregulated fishing before a licence is issued.
Who can apply
- Small-scale (artisanal) fishermen and aquarium fish collectors.
- Crew on semi-industrial and industrial fishing vessels, Kenyan or foreign.
- Anglers who fish for sport, including trout fishing.
Official sources (2)
- KeFS Service Charter kefs.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Licensing kefs.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026