Get a KWS authority to deal in wildlife or a trophy ownership certificate
Kenya Wildlife Service · sources read 3 Oct 2026
Apply on the KWS eCitizen portal (kws.ecitizen.go.ke): pick "Application for Authority to Deal" to trade in wildlife specimens or products, or a "Certificate of Ownership" to legally keep trophies, ornamental birds or reptiles. Owning or trading wildlife products without KWS written authority is a crime.
- Fee
- We couldn't confirm a fee from the official page. Check it there before you pay.
- Where
- Online on the KWS eCitizen portal
What you need
- An eCitizen account
Steps
- Sign in to your eCitizen account and open the Kenya Wildlife Service portal (kws.ecitizen.go.ke).
- To trade in wildlife specimens or products, choose "Application for Authority to Deal" and apply.
- To own a trophy, choose "Application for Certificate of Ownership (For Possession of Trophies)". For ornamental birds or reptiles, use the Certificate of Ownership form for ornamental birds and reptiles.
- After you apply, print the document the portal gives you and keep it.
Watch out
- Owning or trading wildlife or wildlife products without written authority (a valid KWS permit or licence) is a criminal offence.
- Moving wildlife or trophies in or out of Kenya needs a separate CITES import, export or re-export permit.
Who can apply
- Businesses that buy and sell wildlife specimens or products.
- People who own trophies, ornamental birds or reptiles, including for inheritance, valuation or museum trade.
Official sources (3)
- Wildlife Economy kws.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- Wildlife Policing kws.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- Kenya Wildlife Service - eCitizen kws.ecitizen.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026