Frequently Asked Questions

Many services are available through our online portal. You can pay business permits, land rates, rent, parking fees and county bills through our e-payments portal. For services requiring physical presence, visit your nearest sub-county office or the County Headquarters at Homa Bay Town.

You can submit a complaint or feedback through our Grievance Redress System accessible from the website menu, visit any ward office, call our toll-free line, or write to the County Secretary. All complaints are acknowledged within 48 hours and resolved within 14 working days.

There are 8 sub-county offices: Homa Bay Town, Rangwe, Kabondo Kasipul, Kasipul, Ndhiwa, Rachuonyo East, Rachuonyo North, and Mbita. Each sub-county office provides the full range of county services to residents within their jurisdiction.

Business permits can be applied for online through the Revenue Portal on this website or in person at the nearest Sub-County Revenue Office. You will need: National ID/Passport, business registration certificate (if applicable), premises lease/ownership documents, and the applicable permit fee. New permits are processed within 3–5 working days.

Business permit fees vary depending on the type and scale of business. Small enterprises (sole traders, kiosks) start from Ksh. 2,000 per year. Medium businesses range from Ksh. 5,000–20,000. Large commercial establishments may pay upwards of Ksh. 50,000 annually. Download the current fee schedule from our Downloads page.

Permit renewals can be done online through the Revenue Portal or at any Sub-County Revenue Office. Renewals open from 1st January each year and should be completed by 31st March to avoid penalties. Renewal requires the previous year's permit certificate and proof of payment.

Operating without a valid county business permit is an offence under the Homa Bay County Trade Licensing Regulations. Businesses found without valid permits are subject to fines, business closure notices, and may be required to pay backdated permit fees for the period of non-compliance.

The bursary is open to all students from Homa Bay County who are enrolled in secondary schools, TVET institutions, colleges or universities. Priority is given to students from financially disadvantaged households, orphans and children of persons with disabilities. Applicants must be registered as Homa Bay County residents.

Applications open once per year, typically between January and March. Forms are available at all ward offices, sub-county education offices, and for download from our Downloads page. Complete forms with all required documents (admission letter, fee structure, national ID of parent/guardian, proof of residence) and submit at your nearest ward office.

Required documents: Certified copy of student's school admission letter or current fee statement, Parent/guardian's National ID, Proof of Homa Bay County residence (e.g. utility bill, ward office letter), Recent passport-size photo of the student, For orphans: death certificate(s) of parent(s), For needy cases: a recommendation letter from the local chief or village elder.

Bursary awards vary based on need and available funds. Secondary school students typically receive between Ksh. 5,000–15,000 per year. University and college students receive between Ksh. 10,000–30,000 annually. Amounts are announced at the time of disbursement. Students may apply in subsequent years if they remain eligible.

All county tenders are published on this website under the Resources → Tenders section, in at least two daily newspapers of national circulation, and on the PPRA Kenya portal (ppra.go.ke). Ensure you check all three sources to stay updated on new opportunities.

Supplier registration is done through the county procurement office at the County Treasury. Requirements include: Certificate of business registration, KRA PIN certificate and Tax Compliance Certificate, Relevant professional/trade licenses, Bank account details, and any sector-specific certifications. Registration is free and renewed annually.

In line with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act 2015, Homa Bay County applies a 30% price preference for businesses owned by youth (under 35 years), women and persons with disabilities. Contracts valued below Ksh. 5 million are reserved for local suppliers from within the county.

Any aggrieved bidder may submit a written complaint to the Accounting Officer within 14 days of the notification of award. If unsatisfied with the response, complaints can be escalated to the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) within 7 days. All complaints are handled in accordance with the PPADA 2015.

The County Government of Homa Bay has implemented a zero user fee policy at all 52 public health facilities for outpatient services, maternal and child health, immunizations, family planning and HIV/AIDS services. Some specialized services and in-patient charges may apply at the County Referral Hospital.

Homa Bay County operates a free ambulance service for emergencies. Call our 24/7 ambulance hotline displayed on the website or at any public health facility. Ambulances are stationed at key health facilities across all sub-counties for rapid response.

Homa Bay County Referral Hospital is located in Homa Bay Town along Hospital Road. It is the highest-level public health facility in the county, offering specialist services including surgery, dialysis, intensive care, and diagnostic imaging. It operates 24 hours, 7 days a week.