Kenya’s mining and minerals sector is highly regulated. Whether you are applying for a mining licence, dealing in gold or other minerals, or preparing to export minerals from Kenya, it is important to understand which licence or permit you need before starting the application process.
At Spondoo.ke, we help individuals, companies, investors and overseas businesses understand the licensing requirements, prepare the supporting documents, and manage the application process with the relevant authorities.
| License / Permit Name | Type | Initial Application | Annual Fee | Notes |
| Mining License | Mining / extraction licence | KSh 500,000 application fee plus from KSh 500,000 on approval, depending on land size | KSh 500,000 plus ground rent of KSh 2,500 per hectare, minimum KSh 50,000 | Required where the applicant owns or operates a mine. Licence validity is understood to be up to 25 years, subject to compliance and ongoing fees. |
| Dealer’s License | Mineral / gold dealing licence | KSh 100,000 application fee plus KSh 500,000 on approval. A KSh 5,000 permit/admin cost may also apply | KSh 500,000 | Required where the applicant does not own a mine but wants to deal in gold or minerals. Valid for 1 year and must be renewed annually. |
| Export Permit | Shipment/export permit | To be confirmed | Not annual — generally linked to each export/shipment | Required for exporting gold or minerals. The Ministry must confirm the origin of the gold or minerals before issuing the correct permit. Royalties, mineral development fees, customs procedures and other compliance checks may also apply. |
This licence is issued through the Ministry responsible for mining and is suitable for applicants who own or operate a mine. The licence can be valid for up to 25 years, subject to approval, compliance with licence conditions, and payment of the required annual fees.
Spondoo.ke can help clients understand the requirements, prepare the supporting documents, organise the financial records, and coordinate the application file before submission.
This is particularly important for clients who want to export gold or minerals but are sourcing them from another party rather than extracting them from their own licensed mine.
Before applying for an export permit, the applicant must be able to show that they are properly licensed and that the origin of the gold or minerals can be verified.
Spondoo.ke can help prepare the business records, tax compliance documents, bank statements and application file needed to support the dealer’s licence process.
An export permit is required when gold or minerals are being exported from Kenya. The export permit is separate from the mining licence or dealer’s licence and is normally linked to a particular shipment or export transaction.
Before an export permit is issued, the Ministry must understand the origin of the gold or minerals. This means the applicant must be able to show where the minerals came from and under which licence they were mined, obtained or purchased.
If the applicant already has a mining licence, they may not need a separate dealer’s licence for export purposes. However, they will still need export permits for shipments.
If the applicant does not own a mine, they will usually need a dealer’s licence before applying for export permits.
Royalties, mineral development fees, customs procedures and other compliance checks may also apply.
Spondoo.ke can help clients prepare the documentation needed to support an export permit application, including evidence of the source of the minerals, company documents, tax compliance documents and financial records.
The correct licence depends on what the client is doing.
A mining licence is for a business or individual that owns or operates a mine and extracts minerals directly.
A dealer’s licence is for a business or individual that deals in gold or minerals but does not own the mine. This is usually needed where the applicant is buying gold or minerals from another source and wants to trade or export them.
In many cases, a client may need more than one approval. For example, a gold dealer who does not own a mine may need a dealer’s licence first, then an export permit for each shipment.
If you are planning to apply for a mining licence, dealer’s licence or export permit in Kenya, Spondoo.ke can help you understand the process and prepare your application properly.
We combine local knowledge with accounting, tax and compliance support, helping clients move through the process with clearer documentation and fewer delays.