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Food Handlers Certificate in Kenya, and the Licences a Restaurant or Food Business Needs
- Medical certificate for every food handler
- Usually renewed every 6 months
- Premises need a health licence
- Add KEBS/KDB for packed food or milk
On this page
How to Get a Food Handlers Certificate
- Visit your county public health office or an approved clinic.
- Do the medical examination (usually stool, blood and a physical check).
- Pay the fee and collect the certificate once results are clear.
- Keep it at the workplace; inspectors ask for it.
Requirements, fees and the renewal period are set by each county; confirm with your county health department.
The Food Business Licence Checklist
| Licence / document | Issued by | Who needs it |
|---|---|---|
| Single business permit | County government | Every business premises |
| Food hygiene / public health licence | County public health | Restaurants, cafés, food shops |
| Food handlers medical certificates | County public health | Every food handler |
| Fire safety certificate | County fire department | Premises, especially with gas |
| KEBS product certification | Kenya Bureau of Standards | Packed and labelled food products |
| KDB licence | Kenya Dairy Board | Milk bars, milk ATMs, dairy processing |
| KRA PIN and tax registration | Kenya Revenue Authority | Every business |
| Liquor licence | County liquor board | Only if you sell alcohol |
What Health Inspectors Check in a Kitchen
- Smooth, washable walls and floors; good drainage.
- Separate hand-washing point with soap and clean water.
- Food-grade work surfaces (stainless steel is the standard).
- Safe water supply and clean storage.
- Cold storage for perishables and pest control.
- Waste bins with lids and regular collection.
Kitchen Equipment That Passes Inspection
2 by 4 stainless steel working table with rackKSh 25,000
Double sink with tableKSh 68,000
stainless commercial 4 burner high pressure cookerKSh 40,000
4 burner(jiko) low pressureKSh 38,000
200 Liters Display Fridge(EX-UK)KSh 32,000| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| 2 by 4 stainless steel working table with rack | KSh 25,000 |
| Double sink with table | KSh 68,000 |
| stainless commercial 4 burner high pressure cooker | KSh 40,000 |
| 4 burner(jiko) low pressure | KSh 38,000 |
| 200 Liters Display Fridge(EX-UK) | KSh 32,000 |
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 12 October 2026).
Stainless work tables and a double sink with a table give the washable surfaces and washing area inspectors expect. See commercial kitchen equipment and the kitchen layout guide.
Packing Food for Sale?
If you bottle, pack or label food (water, juice, honey, peanut butter, flour), KEBS certification is needed before supermarkets will stock you. Start with how KEBS certification works.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a food handlers certificate in Kenya?
Do a medical examination at the county public health office or an approved clinic and collect the certificate.
How long is a food handlers certificate valid?
Commonly six months; confirm the period with your county.
How much is a food handlers certificate in Kenya?
The fee is set by each county; ask your county health office.
What licences do I need to open a restaurant in Kenya?
A single business permit, food hygiene licence, food handlers certificates, fire certificate and KRA registration.
Do I need KEBS to sell food?
For packed and labelled food products, yes; cooked food sold on the premises is licensed by the county.