Register and get a practising licence as a NEMA EIA/EA expert or firm
National Environment Management Authority · sources read 2 Oct 2026
Apply to NEMA online with your degree, CV, EIA/audit training proof, good conduct certificate and KRA tax compliance certificate. Citizens pay KSh 2,000 (associate) or KSh 3,000 (lead) to register, then a practising licence; NEMA takes about 30 working days.
- Fee
- KSh 2,000Registration, associate expert (citizen)KSh 3,000Registration, lead expert (citizen)KSh 5,000Registration, firm of experts (citizen)KSh 3,000Practising licence, associate expert (citizen)KSh 5,000Practising licence, lead expert (citizen)KSh 20,000Practising licence, firm of experts (citizen)
- How long
- 30 working days
- Where
- Online through NEMA (licensing portal at licensing.nema.go.ke)
What you need
- Detailed, up-to-date CV with proof of your practice
- Academic certificates
- Proof of EIA and audit training from a recognised institution
- Certificate of good conduct
- KRA Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC)
- Firms: CR1 showing at least one director who is a practising lead expert, plus incorporation papers and CR12
Steps
- Check you qualify: an environmental degree (or a related degree plus an EIA course from a NEMA-accredited institution), and the mentorship or experience your category needs.
- Fill in NEMA's online application form and attach your CV, certificates, training proof, good conduct certificate and KRA TCC.
- Pay the registration fee and then the practising licence fee for your category. NEMA processes the application within 30 working days.
- Once licensed, check that your name appears on NEMA's list of licensed experts, and renew your practising licence to stay on it.
Watch out
- Degree in a related field rather than environmental studies? You must first do an EIA course at a NEMA-accredited institution.
- Non-citizens pay three times the citizen fee, for example KSh 9,000 to register as a lead expert.
- NEMA's published list of licensed experts only shows those who have renewed their practising licences, so renew on time.
Who can apply
- People with a degree or masters in environmental management or a related course.
- Associate expert: at least one year of mentorship under a practising lead expert or firm.
- Lead expert: 8 years as an associate with a first degree, 5 with a masters, or 3 with a PhD.
- Firms: at least one lead and one associate expert with valid practising licences.
Official sources (4)
- NEMA Customer Service Delivery Charter 2025-2027 nema.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Registration Of Experts nema.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- FAQs on Licenses and Permits nema.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- NEMA Licensing licensing.nema.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026