If your friend is working as a sole proprietor in Kenya, specifically in Kakuma Camp III, as a licensed ‘Light Your Fire!’ trainer under the mandate of an international NGO such as GAFÈIAS, he should observe certain legal requirements and administrative steps in order to act in a legally compliant, safe and sustainable manner.

Here is a structured overview of the most important Kenyan laws, regulations and registration requirements for sole proprietors, specifically in the context of camps such as Kakuma:

✅ 1. Business registration / registration as a sole proprietor

• Law: Business Names Act (Cap. 499)
• Authority: eCitizen (https://www.ecitizen.go.ke/) – platform for registering sole traders.
• Steps:
  • Open an eCitizen account
  • Search for and reserve a business name (e.g. ‘Light Your Fire Coaching Kakuma’)
  • Register as a sole trader
  • Obtain a Certificate of Registration

✅ 2. Tax registration (KRA PIN)

• Law: Income Tax Act (Cap. 470)
• Authority: Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
• Obligations:
  • Personal tax identification number (KRA PIN)
  • Registration as self-employed / sole proprietor
  • Monthly or quarterly tax returns depending on income level
  • If annual turnover > KES 5 million → VAT liable

✅ 3. Location approval/licensing by the local administration

• Law: County Governments Act 2012
• Authority: Turkana County Government (responsible for Kakuma)
• Requirement: Acquisition of a Single Business Permit (licence to operate a business in the camp)
  • Application to the Sub-County Administration (e.g. in Lodwar or Kakuma Town)
  • Required for teaching/training activities with public access

✅ 4. Approval by UNHCR / camp management (in Kakuma Camp III)

• Prerequisite: All activities within the camp require the approval of UNHCR and/or the camp manager (usually NRC or DRC)
• Recommendation:
  • Coordination with Rasmi or LWF (local partner organisations)
  • Proof that the course is not commercially exploitative and serves the common good
  • Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the partner organisation (e.g. Teach for Community)

✅ 5. Professional liability / safety

• Not a legal requirement, but recommended:
  • Liability insurance for training activities (e.g. in case of accidents)
  • Child protection and data protection guidelines when working with young people

✅ 6. Licence agreement with GAFÈIAS

• The licence agreement should cover the following points:
  • Trademark and content protection: How may content be used?
  • Training certificates: Who is authorised to issue participant certificates?
  • Financial conditions: Are there any licence fees?
  • Contractual obligations: Reporting, quality standards, etc.

✅ 7. Educational regulations (for structured courses)

• Optional, depending on the scope of the programme:
  • Registration as a Training Provider with TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority) if the course is intended to provide vocational qualifications

📝 Additional information

• Bank account: A separate business account in the name of the registered company is recommended.
• Accounting: Self-employed persons are required to keep income and expenditure accounts.

📌 Summary: Key steps for the ‘Light Your Fire’ trainer

• Area Measure
• Company registration Register as a sole trader via eCitizen
• Tax Apply for KRA PIN, pay tax on income
• Licence Single Business Permit from Turkana County
• UNHCR / Camp Approval from UNHCR/Camp Management
• Partnership agreement MoU with ‘Teach for Community’ and licence agreement with GAFÈIAS
• Child protection Compliance with local protection rules for young people

Option: TVET registration if formal training certificates are to be awarded

The official forms for each point (1-6):

Here are the six forms prepared for the ‘Light Your Fire!’ trainer in Kakuma Camp, based on the legal requirements in Kenya:

✅ Checklist – Self-employment as a trainer in Kenya

✅ Sample contract – Licensed trainer with GAFÈIAS

✅ Memorandum of Understanding – Trainer & Teach for Community

✅ Request to UNHCR for training approval in Kakuma Camp

✅ Application to reserve a company name (eCitizen)

✅ Business plan – Light Your Fire! Course in Kakuma