Get an EPZ licence (operate or develop in an Export Processing Zone)
Export Processing Zones Authority · sources read 3 Oct 2026
Ask EPZA first whether your project qualifies, then send a business plan and the EPZ application form with the US$250 application fee. Approval takes up to 20 working days, and the licence runs for one year.
- Fee
- We couldn't confirm a fee from the official page. Check it there before you pay.
- How long
- Up to 20 working days for approval once all documents are in
- Where
- EPZA headquarters, Viwanda Road off Nairobi-Namanga Highway, Athi River; first contact through the investment inquiry form on epzakenya.com
What you need
- Business plan for the proposed EPZ activity
- The EPZ application form for your licence type (manufacturing, service, commercial, developer/operator or business service permit)
- NEMA Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) compliance certificate
Steps
- Ask EPZA whether your project qualifies for the EPZ programme. You can use the investment inquiry form on epzakenya.com.
- Submit your business plan and the filled EPZ application form, and pay the US$250 application fee.
- Once EPZA approves the project, register the EPZ company and get a NEMA EIA compliance certificate.
- Pay the licence fee and hand in the remaining documents. EPZA issues the licence within 2 days.
Watch out
- The EPZ programme is for exporters: over 80% of sales should go outside the East African Community, with at most 20% sold locally.
- The EPZ licence lasts one year, so plan to renew it.
- If you need foreign staff, list the categories in your application. Work permits come later from Immigration, with EPZA's help.
Who can apply
- Businesses doing export-oriented manufacturing, commercial work (repacking, labelling, trading) or services such as IT, BPO and consultancy.
- The company can be 100% foreign owned, 100% Kenyan owned or a joint venture.
- Developers who build infrastructure and buildings on EPZ gazetted land apply for a Developer/Operator licence.
Official sources (6)
- EPZ Program epzakenya.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- FAQs epzakenya.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- EPZA Service Charter epzakenya.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Resources (application forms) epzakenya.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Investment Inquiry epzakenya.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- EPZA Home epzakenya.com · read 3 Oct 2026