How to Apply for a Tourism and Hospitality Training Institution License in Kenya

Any individual, company, or institution intending to operate a Tourism and Hospitality Training Institution in Kenya must be registered and licensed by the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA). This process is conducted through the Tourism Regulatory Information Management System (TRIMS) Self-Service Portal.

This guide outlines the eligibility criteria, step-by-step application procedure, required documents, payment details, validity, and renewal requirements for obtaining a Tourism and Hospitality Training Institutions License.

Eligibility

The license is open to:

Individuals, companies, or organizations intending to establish or operate Tourism and Hospitality Training Institutions in Kenya.
Entities that meet all statutory, environmental, and regulatory requirements as stipulated under the Tourism Act and related legal notices.

No person or entity is permitted to operate a Tourism and Hospitality Training Institution for profit or reward without a valid license from TRA.

Application Procedure

Step 1: Register on TRIMS Self-Service Portal

Visit the TRIMS Self-Service Portal (available via the TRA website).
On the homepage, click on the “Register” tab located at the top right corner.
Fill in the registration form with accurate details, then click “Register”.
A confirmation message will appear on your screen.
Once approved, login credentials will be sent to your registered email address.

Step 2: Register Your Company/Business

Login to the portal using your credentials.
On the homepage, select “Register an Entity.”
Complete the Entity Registration Form and upload the required documents.
Click “Next” to proceed to the Tourism License Online Application Form.
Complete the form accurately, upload all supporting documents, then click “Submit.”
A submission notification will appear once the application is received.

Step 3: Verification of Application

TRA officers will review the submitted documents to confirm the legitimacy of the company and its compliance with statutory requirements.
If approved, an approval notification will be sent to your registered email.

Step 4: Payment of Applicable Fees

The system will automatically generate an invoice, available under the “Invoice Management” section of your TRIMS account.
Pay the required fees through TRA’s approved payment channels (see “Fees” section below).
Share proof of payment with TRA.
Once verified, a payment receipt will be issued via TRIMS.

Step 5: Inspection of Premises

TRA will schedule an inspection of your training institution.
The owner or representative must be present during the inspection and provide all requested documents.
Both the applicant and inspector must sign the inspection findings.
If discrepancies are found, corrective measures must be taken before approval.

Step 6: Issuance of License

Once the application passes all stages, TRA will issue the Tourism and Hospitality Training Institutions License.
A notification email will be sent to the applicant, along with instructions on how to access and download the license from the TRIMS portal.

Required Documents

For Entity Registration

Certificate of Incorporation / Business Registration Certificate (CR12).
Valid Single Business Permit.
KRA PIN Certificate (Income Tax Certificate).
Appointment Letter (for the entity’s authorized representative).

For Tourism and Hospitality Training Institutions License

Duly filled Tourism License Application Form.
Copy of lease agreement or title deed of the premises.
Certificate of company registration (for new applicants).
Memorandum and Articles of Association (for companies).
Valid work/entry permits for non-Kenyan directors or staff, plus affidavits for non-resident directors.
Letter of no objection from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for new facilities or Environmental Audit (EA) for existing facilities.
Proof of compliance with tourism or local area development plans.
Proof of insurance cover for the premises.

Fees and Payment Details

The system generates an invoice upon application approval.
Payments must be made to the following account:
- Account Name: Tourism Regulatory Authority
- Bank: KCB Bank, University Way Branch
- Account Number: 1178921034

Important Notes:

All payments must be made via direct bank deposit—cash or personal cheques are not accepted.
Late payments attract a 10% penalty of the license fee for each month of delay.
License fee structures are guided by Legal Notice No. 128 of September 2014.

Validity and Renewal

The Tourism and Hospitality Training Institution License is valid for one year.
It must be renewed annually, at least 30 days before expiry.
TRA reserves the right to suspend, revoke, or cancel the license if the institution fails to comply with statutory or regulatory obligations.

Processing Time

The processing period may vary depending on the completeness of the application and compliance with requirements. Typically, the process takes a few weeks from submission to issuance of the license, assuming all documents and fees are in order.

Contact Information

Tourism Regulatory Authority – Head Office
Utalii House, 5th Floor, Utalii Lane, off Uhuru Highway
P.O. Box 25357 – 00100, Nairobi, Kenya

Telephone: +254 701 444 777
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.tourismauthority.go.ke

Why This License is Important

It is a legal requirement under the Tourism Act to operate a training institution in the hospitality and tourism sector.
Ensures institutions meet quality standards for training.
Protects students, staff, and stakeholders through environmental and safety compliance.
Strengthens credibility and increases opportunities for partnerships within Kenya’s tourism and hospitality industry.

Summary

Obtaining a Tourism and Hospitality Training Institutions License in Kenya involves a structured process that starts with online registration, company verification, fee payment, site inspection, and issuance of the license. Renewal is mandatory every year, and timely compliance helps avoid penalties or cancellation.