Get a NEMA permit to access genetic resources (access and benefit sharing)
National Environment Management Authority · sources read 3 Oct 2026
Get Prior Informed Consent and a research clearance certificate, then apply on the NEMA licensing portal and pay KSh 20,000 (individual) or KSh 50,000 (organisation). NEMA publishes a notice within 21 working days and issues the one-year permit within 60 working days.
- Fee
- KSh 20,000Application, individualKSh 50,000Application, organisationKSh 10,000Renewal, individualKSh 25,000Renewal, organisation
- How long
- Permit within 60 working days
- Where
- Online on the NEMA licensing portal (licensing.nema.go.ke). NEMA head office: Popo Road, South C, off Mombasa Road, Nairobi.
What you need
- Evidence of Prior Informed Consent from the people and lead agencies concerned
- A research clearance certificate from the National Council for Science and Technology
- If samples will leave Kenya: a signed Material Transfer Agreement
- If the resources are CITES-listed and leaving Kenya: an import permit from the receiving country
Steps
- Get Prior Informed Consent from the people and lead agencies concerned, and a research clearance certificate.
- Apply online on the NEMA licensing portal, attach the documents and pay the fee.
- NEMA publishes your application in the Kenya Gazette and a national newspaper so the public can object.
- Once you have the permit, send NEMA quarterly reports on your research and renew the permit every year.
Watch out
- The permit lasts one year and cannot be transferred to someone else.
- You must involve Kenyan citizens and institutions in the work done under the permit.
- Breaking these rules can mean up to 18 months in jail, a fine of up to KSh 350,000, or both.
Who can apply
- Anyone who wants to access genetic resources in Kenya, for research, bio-prospecting, industrial or commercial use.
- Not needed for approved educational research at recognised Kenyan academic and research institutions.
Official sources (5)
- EMC (Conservation of Biological Diversity and Resources, Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing) Regulations, 2006 (L.N. 160 of 2006) nema.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- NEMA Service Charter 2025-2027 (Booklet) nema.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- NEMA Resolved Service Charter 2025-2027 nema.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- Laws and Guidelines: Biodiversity Regulations nema.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- NEMA Licensing Portal licensing.nema.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026