Get a NEMA Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) licence
National Environment Management Authority · sources read 30 Sep 2026
Apply online on the NEMA licensing portal (licensing.nema.go.ke) at least three months before you start the project, and pay 0.1% of the total project cost (minimum KSh 10,000). A licence for a summary project report comes within 5 working days.
- Fee
- KSh 10,000EIA processing and monitoring fee: 0.1% of total project cost (minimum shown)KSh 5,000Surrender, transfer or variation of an EIA licence
- How long
- 5 working days for a summary project report; 30 for a comprehensive project report; 90 for a full EIA study
- Where
- Online on the NEMA licensing portal (licensing.nema.go.ke); printed report copies go to NEMA
What you need
- Your EIA project report (5 spiral-bound copies) or study report (10 copies), plus a soft copy
- Approvals from the relevant lead agencies or government institutions
- For a full study: Terms of Reference (TORs)
Steps
- Apply online on the NEMA licensing portal (licensing.nema.go.ke) at least three months before the project starts.
- Pay the processing and monitoring fee: 0.1% of the total project cost, at least KSh 10,000.
- Hand in the printed copies of your report plus a soft copy. NEMA gives an acknowledgement letter within 24 hours of the hard copy.
- Track your application on the licensing portal with your reference number until the licence is issued.
Watch out
- Apply early: NEMA expects your application at least three months before the project begins.
- A full EIA study report must be advertised in the Kenya Gazette, a national newspaper and on radio, and it needs public consultation. This takes up to 90 working days.
- Selling the project or changing it later? Transfer or variation of the licence costs KSh 5,000.
Who can apply
- Any project that may have a significant impact on the environment, such as residential, road and water projects, mixed-use developments, petrol businesses, incinerators, farming, tourism facilities and mining.
Official sources (3)
- NEMA Customer Service Charter 2025-2027 nema.go.ke · read 30 Sep 2026
- FAQs on Licenses and Permits nema.go.ke · read 30 Sep 2026
- NEMA Licensing licensing.nema.go.ke · read 30 Sep 2026