If you are looking to construct a retail petrol station in Kenya, there are several essential requirements that you need to fulfill. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) is the government body mandated to regulate the entire petroleum sector, including the importation, storage, refining, transportation, and sale of petroleum products in Kenya. EPRA plays a critical role in ensuring the safety, technical, and environmental standards of the sector are adhered to.
EPRA is responsible for issuing licenses for various petroleum facilities, including retail stations, depots, and transporters. Below is a comprehensive list of the key requirements for obtaining a construction permit for a petroleum retail station in Kenya:
EPRA Requirements for Constructing a Petrol Station in Kenya:
- Certificate of Incorporation / Business Registration Certificate
- For the company developing the land.
- CR12 from the Registrar of Companies
- This document should be no older than 1 year at the time of application submission. If a limited company is among the shareholders, provide the company’s CR12 and all directors’ identification documents.
- Legible Copies of Identification Documents
- IDs or passports for all directors of the company.
- Valid Work Permits (Class “G”) for Foreign Directors
- Foreign directors not residing in Kenya must provide a notarized declaration. Any employee holding Power of Attorney for foreign directors should submit a copy of their identification.
- Valid EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) License from NEMA
- The EIA must specifically authorize the development of the petrol service station.
- Proof of Land Ownership
- This could be a copy of the title deed in the name of the company or the director(s). If a long-term land lease is in place, a duly executed lease agreement must be provided.
- Approval to Construct Acceleration/Deceleration Lanes
- Obtain approval from the relevant roads authority (e.g., KENHA, KURA, KeRRA, depending on the location).
- Development Permission from the County Government
- This includes approval from the County Physical Planning Office.
- Mechanical Engineer’s Drawings
- These must include the site layout design, underground petroleum tank designs, and pipework layout. The design should follow the relevant standards.
- Civil Engineer’s Drawings
- These should provide details of underground tank cradle and backfill designs, forecourt layout, surface designs, drainage, and oil-water separator (OWS) layout.
Important Notes:
- All engineering drawings must be prepared by professional engineers or firms registered in Kenya. These documents should conform to the Kenya Standards for Petroleum Retail Stations, specifically KS 1969:2013 and KS 2506:2014.
How to Apply for the License (Online Procedure):
- Visit the EPRA Licensing Portal and create an account.
- Select License Management and choose New Licence Application.
- Choose Petroleum Retail Station as the license category.
- Review and accept the conditions, then proceed with registration.
- Complete the application process by filling in the required details and click “Save.”
- Attach all necessary documents as per the permit category.
- Submit your application.
Licence Processing Period, Duration, and Charges:
- Applications for construction permits are reviewed within 45 calendar days from the submission date.
- No fees are charged for the construction permits issued by EPRA.
If you need further clarification or have additional questions, you can contact EPRA using the following details:
Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Contacts:
- Phone: 0709 336 000
- Email: [email protected]
- Head Office: Eagle Africa Centre, Longonot Rd, Upperhill, Nairobi
By following these guidelines and submitting the required documentation, you can ensure a smooth process in obtaining approval to construct a retail petrol station in Kenya.
