In this article, we cover the requirements needed to construct a retail petrol station in Kenya. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) is the statutory body mandated to regulate the importation, refining, exportation, transportation, storage, and sale of petroleum and petroleum products in the country.
EPRA licenses petroleum facilities, including retail stations, depots, and transporters, thereby enforcing safety, technical, and environmental standards in the petroleum sector. Below, we have listed the requirements for those seeking a construction permit for a petroleum retail station in Kenya.
EPRA Requirements for Constructing a Petrol Station in Kenya
1. Certificate of Incorporation / Business Registration Certificate (for the firm developing the land).
2. CR12 from the Registrar of Companies (should not be older than 1 year at the time of submission of the application. Further, if a limited company appears as part of the shareholders, provide the company’s CR12 plus all the directors’ IDs).
3. Legible Copies of Identification Documents (IDs/Passports for all the directors).
4. Valid Work Permits Class “G” for all foreign directors working in Kenya (foreign directors not resident in Kenya should provide a notarized declaration. Further, any employee given Powers of Attorney by a foreign director should provide a copy of their identification document).
5. Valid EIA License from NEMA specifically authorizing the development of a Petrol Service Station.
6. Proof of Land Ownership (copy of the title deed in the name of the company/director(s)). In the case of a long-term land lease, provide a copy of the duly executed lease agreement in the name of the applicant company.
7. Approval to Construct Acceleration/Deceleration Lanes from the relevant roads authority (KENHA/KURA/KeRRA, whichever is applicable).
8. Development Permission from the respective County Government (including County Physical Planning Office).
9. Mechanical Engineer’s Drawings specifying materials and design/operational limitations (site layout design, underground petroleum tank(s) designs, and pipe-work layout).
10. Civil Engineer’s Drawings showing details of underground tank cradle and backfill designs, forecourt layout and surface designs, and general drainage and OWS layout/designs.
Note: All drawings are to be done by the respective class of professional engineers or firm(s) registered as such (attach proof). These shall, at a minimum, take into consideration the Kenya Standards for Petroleum Retail Stations, namely KS 1969:2013 and KS 2506:2014.
How to Apply for the License (Online procedure)
To apply, visit the EPRA Licensing Portal and follow these steps:
- Click “Create Account.”
- Click on “License Management,” then select “New Licence Application.”
- Select the preferred category-in this case, petroleum retail station.
- Read and accept the permit conditions provided, and click on the “Proceed with Registration” icon.
- Follow the application process step by step by filling in the required information, and click “Save.”
- Attach the required documents as per the permit category.
- Submit the application.
Licence Processing Period, Duration, and Charges:
- Applications for construction permits are evaluated within 45 calendar days from the date of receipt.
- No fees are charged for petroleum construction permits issued by EPRA.
If you have any other questions or clarifications, contact EPRA using the contacts below.
Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority Contacts
Phone: 0709 336 000
Email: info@epra.go.ke
Head Office: Eagle Africa Centre, Longonot Rd, Upperhill, Nairobi
