NEMA targets Sh2 billion revenue through new digital licensing system
NEMA seeks to raise Sh2 billion through the system in the financial year ending June 30, 2026, in addition to revenue from 10 new regulations set to take effect this year.
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has overhauled its licensing process, moving all applications for environmental permits and approvals online through a new platform designed to speed up approvals and increase revenue collection.
The Integrated Environmental Information Management System (ENVIS) now serves as a single portal for over 1,000 licences and permits, allowing applicants to submit documents, make payments and receive approvals digitally.
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NEMA seeks to raise Sh2 billion through the system in the financial year ending June 30, 2026, in addition to revenue from 10 new regulations set to take effect this year.
NEMA Director General Mamo Boru said the digital platform significantly shortens processing times.
“For the first time in Kenya’s environmental governance, you can apply, pay, and receive a digitally signed licence with a QR code from the comfort of your office or home,” he said.
Processing times that previously ranged from 30 to 60 days have been reduced to between five and 21 days, with high-risk projects such as pipelines taking up to 45 days due to thorough reviews.
“Previously, applicants submitted up to 10 physical copies of reports, which took weeks to review. Now reports are submitted and reviewed digitally within a day,” Boru added.
The system also allows applicants to track the progress of their applications in real time while reducing human interaction, which previously contributed to delays and revenue leakages.
ENVIS is linked to NEMA’s Geographic Information System (GIS) laboratory, established in 2022, which maps all 2,324 regulated facilities nationwide. Facilities are categorised by risk and assigned coordinates to enhance monitoring. Inspectors now use a mobile app to access compliance data instantly, improving enforcement and boosting revenue collection.
Boru highlighted the agency’s financial turnaround, noting that revenue has grown from Sh235 million in 2019, when NEMA faced technical insolvency, to Sh1.2 billion currently.
“At the time, the agency had accumulated losses of Sh78.3 million and negative working capital of Sh212.9 million,” he said.
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