The Hidden Costs of Relocation in Kenya 

Introduction
Relocating to Kenya involves more than flights and housing. To legally set up your life or business, you’ll need to pay certain government fees and registrations. Unfortunately, many newcomers are caught off guard by “hidden costs” that aren’t explained upfront. 

Here’s a breakdown of the main statutory costs you should budget for: 

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1. Business Permits & Licenses 

• Single Business Permit (SBP): Approx. KES 30,000 (varies by county and business size). 

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2. Tax Registration & Compliance 

• KRA PIN Registration: Free. 
• Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC): Free (after filing taxes correctly). 

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3. Social Contributions 

• NSSF (National Social Security Fund): KES 200 (voluntary self-employed). 
• SHA (Social Health Authority):
  • Minimum: KES 300/month (KES 3,600/year). 
  • Based on salary (e.g., KES 50,000): 2.75% = KES 16,500/year. 

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4. Data Protection Compliance 

• ODPC Registration (for businesses handling personal data): KES 4,000 for SMEs. 

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 Totals 

• Option 1 (minimum contributions): ~KES 37,800. 
• Option 2 (with higher SHA contributions): ~KES 50,700. 

(Excluding income tax or agent service fees.) 

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Conclusion
While relocation is exciting, failing to prepare for these official costs can cause delays and frustrations. Always confirm fees directly from government sources and avoid overpaying agents. 

At ORKA, we help clients understand the true costs of relocation — ensuring transparency and protecting against unnecessary expenses.