Operating a business within Nairobi City County requires a valid Unified Business Permit (UBP)—formerly referred to as the Single Business Permit. Under the updated 2026 Nairobi City County Finance Act guidelines, all permit processing, fee assessments, and payments are strictly digital via the official NairobiPay portal.
Failure to obtain or visibly display a current permit inside your premises risks hefty monthly penalties and enforcement inspections by county revenue officers.
Here is the updated step-by-step application and renewal guide for entrepreneurs, retailers, and corporate entities in Nairobi.
Core Documents Required Before Applying
Before beginning your online application on NairobiPay, ensure you have digital copies (PDF or JPG) of:
- BRS Business Registration Certificate (Business Name or Certificate of Incorporation from eCitizen).
- KRA PIN Certificate (for the business or individual proprietor).
- Director/Owner Identification (National ID card or Passport).
- Physical Premises Details (Land Reference/Plot Number, Building Name, Floor, and Shop Number).
Step-by-Step Application Process on NairobiPay
- Access the Portal: Visit nairobiservices.go.ke (or access NairobiPay via eCitizen).
- Account Registration: Log in or create an account using your phone number and email address, then verify via OTP.
- Select Business Licensing: Navigate to “Business Licensing Services” and select either “New Business Application” or “Renew Existing Permit.”
- Enter Business Parameters: Input your floor area (in sq. meters), employee count, and precise business category.
Note: Ensure your business activity category is accurate. Selecting the wrong category can lead to underpayment penalties during physical inspections. - Upload Documents & Generate Invoice: Attach your BRS certificate and ID. The portal will calculate charges based on the current Finance Act scale and issue an official Electronic Invoice (plus a KSh 200 standard application fee).
Payment Methods & Certificate Download
Nairobi City County operates a strict No-Cash Policy:
- Pay via M-Pesa or USSD (*647#) using the invoice number provided.
- Alternatively, direct payments can be processed through designated revenue collection bank accounts at Co-operative Bank or Equity Bank.
Once payment clears and county verification finishes:
- Log in to your NairobiPay dashboard.
- Click “Download Unified Business Permit.”
- Print the document in color and display it prominently on your business wall as required by county by-laws.
