Apply Online
Step 1: Register with the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA), TRIMS Self Service Portal:

  1. Applicants should browser the TRIMS Self Service Portal
  2. On the Home page, hover the mouse cursor over the “Register” tab on the right top section of the page and click.
  3. This will navigate the applicant to the “Registration” page, populate all the available fields accurately before clicking on the “Register” tab.
  4. Upon successful submission of the registration request, the applicant will receive a Registration submission notification on their device.
  5. After approval, the TRA system will forward an email with the credentials that will be sent to the user’s registered email address to facilitate access to the portal.

Step 2: Register the Company/Business with the TRIMS Self Service Portal

  1. Once logged in to the portal the user will be required to register the Company/Business with the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA), through the TRIMS Self Service Portal.
  2. On the Home page, hover the mouse cursor over the “Register an Entity” tab at the bottom of the page and click on it.
  3. The “Entity Registration Form” page will be displayed, populate all the available fields accurately, upload all the necessary documents against all the upload tabs then click on the “Next” tab.
  4. This will prompt the “License Application Form” page to be displayed, Populate all the available fields accurately, upload all the necessary documents against all the upload tabs then click on the “Submit” tab.
  5. Upon successful submission of the registration request, the applicant will receive a submission notification on their device.

Step 3: The application undergoes Verification with the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA)

  1. Upon receipt of the application request, the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) registration and licensing office will start the vetting process to ensure that the applicant is a legitimate company.
  2. After a successful document evaluation phase has been completed satisfactorily, the TRIMS system will forward an approval notification email to the applicant.

Step 4: Payment of the applicable fees

  1. The system will auto-generate an invoice for the applicant to pay the due fee and forward it to the applicant’s TRIMS Self Service Portal account, under “Invoice Management”. Please refer to the “Fees” section of this page for more information.
  2. The payment should be channelled using the TRA preferable payment mode as listed under the “Fees” section of this page.
  3. Upon making payment, the applicant is required to share the proof of payment (payment details) with the Authority.
  4. Once payment is received the TRIMS system will forward the applicant with a payment receipt.

Step 5: Inspection of the premises

  1. The TRA licensing Registry shall contact the applicant and schedule an inspection visit.
  2. During the inspection visit, the owner or a representative should be present and should supply the inspector with all requested documentation and information.
  3. The applicant, together with the inspector, will be required to sign on the inspection findings. A copy of the inspection finding will be issued to the applicant, any discrepancies will be brought to the attention of the applicant and corrective action must be taken before the facility is registered and licensed by the Authority.

Step 6: Obtain the Car Hire License.

  1. Upon approval by the Authority, the applicant will be notified by email and the license will be sent to the applicant to print.
  2. The system will also email the applicant with a guide instruction on how to access and download the license.

Required Documents

For Entity Registration the following documents are required:

  • Business Registration Certificate (CR12)
  • Single Business Permit
  • Income Tax Certificate (PIN)
  • Appointment Letter

Required documents for Car Hire License:

  • Submission of fully-filled online license application form Tourism License Application Form
  • Copy of lease agreement/ title deed of premises
  • Certificate of registration or incorporation of company.
  • Memorandum and articles of Association or CR 12
  • Work/ entry permit for non- Kenyans involved in the business and copies of affidavit for non- resident director(s)
  • Foreign owned companies: asset base of Ksh. 10M
  • Proof of ownership of vehicle (Log book).
  • Vehicle inspection report
  • Public Service Vechile (PSV)
  • Evidence of motor vehicle insurance cover
  • Vehicle inspection report if the company has vehicles
  • Evidence of motor vehicle insurance cover
  • Appointment letter, CV, certified copy of professional certificate
  • Summary of skilled and unskilled staff
  • Proof of payment of the Application fee of Ksh. 1000 for new applicants and applicable License fee.

Office Locations & Contacts

Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA)
Address: Utalii House,5th Floor,
Utalii Lane, off Uhuru Highway.
P.O. Box 25357-00100, Nairobi, KENYA
Telephone:+254 0701-444777
Email: info@tourismauthority.go.ke
TRA Head Office and Regional offices Contact details, Tourism Regulatory Authority TRA Website

Eligibility

Any person or entity that wishes to undertake or engage in a tourism activity or service i.e.(Car Hire) is eligible to apply.

Fees

  • License Application Fee (Ksh.1000)
  • Annual License Fee (Ksh.8,000)
  • License Renewal Fee (Ksh.8,000)

Payable to;-
Account Name: Tourism Regulatory AuthorityAccount No. : 1178921034KCB Bank: University Way Branch

NB

  • Late payments for all licenses attract a penalty of 10% of the applicable license fee for every month delayed.
  • License fee clusters are provided for in the legal notice number 128 September 2014
  • All payments MUST be made by cash deposit into the above account

Validity

  • The license shall be renewed annually, unless, revoked, cancelled, or suspended by the Authority.
  • Holders of the license are required to renew their license at least 30 days before the expiration of the current license.

Documents to Use

Tourism License Application Form

Required Information

  • Name of Company/Person to be licensed (The Company’s or person’s name should be stated in full.
  • Contact Details
  • Income Tax Personal Identification Number (PIN).
  • Short description of the applicant’s licensable activity or service
  • Registration certificate: Certificate No.
  • Name and address of the bank or financial institution where the business account is maintained
  • Full name(s) of proprietor(s) or managing director if a Limited Company/ Residential Address/ Age, country of birth, present nationality
  • Partners/directors/shareholders Personal details
  • Declaration by the applicant

Need for the Document

  • All individuals, businesses, and enterprises that wish to deal with tourism activities such as operating a Tourism Car Hire business/company in Kenya are required to be registered by the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) and obtain a Car Hire license before commencing operation.
  • A person should not, for gain or reward operating a Tourism Car Hire business, unless they have a valid Tourism Car Hire operator licence issued by the Authority.

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