License a small vessel or boat (passenger and tourist boats)
Kenya Maritime Authority · sources read 2 Oct 2026
Fill KMA's small vessel licence application (Form 1), sign it before a Commissioner for Oaths, and have the boat inspected by KMA. For boats of 24 m and below this takes about 7 days, and the licence lapses when the boat's local safety certificate expires.
- Fee
- A motor boat up to 4 metres costs USD 10, plus USD 1 for each extra metre.
- How long
- About 7 days (boats of 24 m and below)
- Where
- Kenya Maritime Authority head office, Bahari Towers, Mbaraki Road, Mombasa (forms on KMA's Vessel Registration page). KMA also has an office in Kisumu for Lake Victoria.
What you need
- Small vessel licence application (Form 1), filled in
- Your signature on the form witnessed by a Commissioner for Oaths or Notary Public (a company signs with its seal and two directors, or a director and the company secretary)
- Proof that you own the boat or are authorised by the owner
Steps
- Download the small vessels licence application form from KMA's Vessel Registration page (kma.go.ke/vessel-registration).
- Fill in the boat's details (size, year built, builder, intended operating area) and sign before a Commissioner for Oaths or Notary Public.
- Submit it to KMA with proof of ownership and pay the inspection and licence fee. For a motor boat it is USD 10 up to 4 m plus USD 1 for each extra metre; for a sail, oar or paddle boat it is USD 0.5 up to 4 m plus USD 0.1 per extra metre.
- After inspection, paint the official number KMA gives the boat, and its name, on the boat as the KMA officer directs.
Watch out
- The licence stops being valid as soon as the boat's local safety certificate expires, so keep that certificate renewed.
- Bought a licensed boat? Notify KMA in writing and apply for a new licence within 7 days, or the old licence is treated as cancelled.
- Passenger boats may not go more than 5 nautical miles from shore or 15 nautical miles from a safe haven.
Who can apply
- The boat's owner, or someone the owner has authorised.
Official sources (4)
- Vessel Registration kma.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- The Merchant Shipping (Licensing of Vessels) Regulations, 2012 (Legal Notice 48 of 2012) kma.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- The Merchant Shipping (Small Vessel Safety) Regulations, 2012 (Legal Notice 114 of 2012) kma.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- KMA English Citizens' Service Delivery Charter, July 2026 kma.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026