License a maritime transport operator (shipping agent, shipping line, clearing agent)
Kenya Maritime Authority · sources read 3 Oct 2026
Apply or renew on KMA's online licensing portal, upload your company documents as PDFs and pay through eCitizen. Licences run for one year and expire on 31 December.
- Fee
- For a shipping agent: USD 5 to process the application, USD 500 for the first licence, USD 250 to renew and USD 125 for a late renewal.
- How long
- About 10 days
- Where
- Online on KMA's licensing portal (public.kma.go.ke:8443), with payment on eCitizen. Questions: licensing@kma.go.ke. Forms and guides are on KMA's Maritime Service Providers Licences page.
What you need
- Certified copies of your company registration certificate, KRA PIN, tax compliance certificate and memorandum of association
- Valid CR12 and your tenancy agreement, sub-lease or title deed
- Your tariff structure on company letterhead
- Certified copies of directors' IDs, KRA PINs and passports, plus a certificate of good conduct
- Clearing agents and other agency-licensed operators: a certified valid trading licence
Steps
- Go to KMA's licensing portal (public.kma.go.ke:8443). New applicants create an account as Individual, Corporate or Government; existing users log in.
- Pick the service, then click "Make Application" (new) or "Renew License". Fill in the form and attach your documents as PDFs.
- Pay the processing fee: the portal sends you to eCitizen. KMA then vets your application.
- Once approved, generate the licence fee invoice and pay it on eCitizen. The licence is emailed to you and you can download it from the portal.
Watch out
- Every licence expires on 31 December, so renew each year before then.
- Fees are in US dollars. A shipping agent pays USD 5 to apply, USD 500 for the first licence and USD 250 to renew (USD 125 extra if late).
- Applications sent outside the portal are not processed. Clear any unpaid KMA invoices first.
Who can apply
- Shipping agents, cargo consolidators, and local and foreign shipping lines are licensed by KMA.
- Clearing agents, empty container depots, container freight stations and port facility operators (licensed by another agency) also register with KMA.
Official sources (5)
- Maritime Service Providers Licences kma.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- User Guide for Maritime Transport Operators Registration/License Renewal kma.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- Registration of Maritime Transport Operator (MTO) kma.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- Fees Schedule for Maritime Transport Operators kma.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- KMA English Citizens' Service Delivery Charter, July 2026 kma.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026