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DOSH Fee Structure 2022: Complete Guide to Kenya Safety Compliance Costs | Mvono Consultants

The Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) released updated fee structures in March 2022 that significantly impact business compliance costs across Kenya. Published in Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 49, these new regulations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2007 introduce standardized pricing for workplace registration (KES 2,000 annually), medical examinations (KES 400-800 per worker), and equipment inspections ranging from KES 3,000 for small steam receivers to KES 20,000+ for large cranes and boilers. Key changes include OSH training costs of KES 120,000 per 25-person class, professional certification fees of KES 15,000 annually for safety advisers and auditors, and tiered refrigeration plant inspection fees from KES 5,000-15,000 based on capacity. Manufacturing facilities now face compliance costs between KES 500,000-1,500,000 annually depending on complexity, while construction and service industries must budget for specialized equipment certifications and staff training requirements. The regulations also introduce important operational considerations including daily examination limits of KES 50,000, overnight fees of KES 6,000, and delay surcharges of KES 5,000 per hour. Businesses must reassess their safety budgets and compliance strategies, making professional guidance essential for cost optimization and regulatory adherence. This comprehensive analysis helps Kenyan businesses understand their new obligations and plan effectively for implementation.
ISRAEL MVONO - Author photo

ISRAEL MVONO

Safety & Energy Expert

5 min read

DOSH Fee Structure 2022: What Kenyan Businesses Need to Know About Updated Safety Compliance Costs

New Regulations Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2007 - March 2022 Updates

The Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) has released updated fee structures that every Kenyan business owner, safety manager, and industrial facility operator must understand. Published in the Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 49 on March 29, 2022, these regulations significantly impact how businesses budget for safety compliance.

At Mvono Consultants, we've analyzed these changes to help you navigate the new requirements efficiently and cost-effectively.

Key Changes in the 2022 DOSH Fee Structure

Workplace Registration and Certification Fees

Annual Workplace Registration:

  • New and existing workplaces: KES 2,000 per workplace
  • This applies to all business premises regardless of size
  • Must be renewed annually to maintain compliance

Medical Examination Requirements: The cost of mandatory worker health assessments has been standardized:

  • General medical examination: KES 800 per worker
  • Screening audiometry: KES 800 per worker
  • Lung function testing (Spirometry): KES 800 per worker
  • Full blood count: KES 800 per worker
  • Liver function testing: KES 800 per worker
  • Renal function testing: KES 800 per worker
  • Chest radiograph (PA View): KES 800 per worker
  • Blood sugar testing: KES 400 per worker
  • Cholesterol screening: KES 800 per worker

Training and Certification Costs

Occupational Safety and Health Training

  • OSH training for 25 persons: KES 120,000 per class
  • Occupational hygiene survey: KES 15,000 per workplace
  • Sample analysis: KES 1,000 per sample
  • Ergonomic survey:
    • KES 25,000 per workplace (less than 50 employees)
    • KES 50,000 per workplace (50+ employees)

Professional Certification Annual Fees

The regulations introduce standardized annual fees for safety professionals:

  • OSH Advisers: KES 15,000
  • Fire Safety Auditors: KES 15,000
  • Designated Health Personnel (DHPs): KES 15,000
  • Air Quality Managers (AQMs): KES 15,000
  • Training institutions: KES 20,000
  • Plant examiners (various categories): KES 3,000 each

Equipment Inspection and Testing Fees

Pressure Vessel Examinations

The new fee structure for pressure vessel inspections varies by capacity and type:

Water-tube Boilers:

  • Less than 10,000 lb steam/hour: KES 12,500
  • 10,000-25,000 lb steam/hour: KES 20,000
  • Each additional 1,000 lb/hour capacity: KES 1,000

Specialized Equipment:

  • Locomotive and horizontal boilers: KES 12,500
  • Vertical cross-tube boilers: KES 8,000
  • Steam receivers over 2 ft diameter: KES 4,000
  • Steam receivers under 2 ft diameter: KES 3,000
  • Medical sterilizer boilers: KES 3,500

Lifting Equipment and Crane Inspections

Hoists and Lifting Equipment:

  • First two floors plus machine room: KES 5,000
  • Each additional floor: KES 1,000
  • Hydraulic lifts (first 2 floors): KES 12,500
  • Hydraulic lifts (each additional floor): KES 1,500

Crane Inspections:

  • Manual cranes up to 5 tons: KES 10,000
  • Manual cranes over 5 tons: KES 12,500
  • Power-operated cranes up to 5 tons: KES 12,500
  • Power-operated cranes 5-10 tons: KES 15,000
  • Power-operated cranes 10-20 tons: KES 18,000
  • Power-operated cranes over 20 tons: KES 20,000

Refrigeration Plant Inspection Fees

The regulations introduce tiered pricing for refrigeration systems:

  • 0-25kw systems: KES 5,000
  • 26-50kw systems: KES 7,000
  • 51-75kw systems: KES 10,000
  • 76-100kw systems: KES 12,500
  • 100kw and above: KES 15,000

Architectural Plan Approval Fees

For businesses planning new facilities or expansions, architectural plan approval fees are based on covered area:

  • Less than 100m²: KES 1,000
  • 101-200m²: KES 2,000
  • 201-300m²: KES 3,000
  • 301-400m²: KES 4,000
  • 401-500m²: KES 5,000
  • 501-600m²: KES 6,000
  • 601-700m²: KES 7,000
  • 701-800m²: KES 8,000
  • 801-900m²: KES 9,000
  • 901-1000m²: KES 10,000
  • Each additional 100m² above 1000m²: KES 500

Note: For multi-story buildings, each floor is calculated separately.

What These Changes Mean for Your Business

Budget Planning Implications

These updated fees require businesses to reassess their safety compliance budgets. For a typical manufacturing facility with:

  • 100 employees requiring medical examinations
  • Multi-story facility with lifting equipment
  • Pressure vessels and steam systems
  • Annual training requirements

The total annual compliance cost could range from KES 500,000 to KES 1,500,000 depending on facility complexity.

Compliance Timeline Considerations

The regulations include important timing considerations:

  • Maximum daily examination limit: KES 50,000 worth of work per examiner
  • Overnight fees: KES 6,000 per night when required
  • Travel expenses: Charged at current AA rates
  • Surcharge for delays: KES 5,000/hour for examiner delays due to client preparation issues

Industry-Specific Impact Analysis

Manufacturing Sector

Manufacturing facilities face the highest compliance costs due to:

  • Complex machinery requiring multiple inspections
  • Large workforce needing regular medical examinations
  • Pressure systems and lifting equipment
  • Hazardous substance handling requirements

Construction Industry

Construction companies must budget for:

  • Mobile equipment inspections (cranes, hoists)
  • Site-specific safety training
  • Temporary facility registrations
  • Specialized lifting equipment certifications

Hospitality and Service Industries

Even service-based businesses face compliance costs for:

  • Kitchen equipment inspections
  • Elevator and lift certifications
  • Fire safety system approvals
  • Staff safety training programs

How Mvono Consultants Can Help You Navigate These Changes

Cost Optimization Strategies

Our experienced team can help you:

  • Bundle inspections to minimize examiner visit costs
  • Schedule efficiently to avoid overnight and travel surcharges
  • Prepare thoroughly to prevent delay surcharges
  • Group training sessions to maximize cost-effectiveness

Compliance Planning

We provide comprehensive services to ensure:

  • Timely renewals to avoid penalties
  • Proper documentation for all certifications
  • Efficient scheduling of required inspections
  • Staff training coordination to meet regulatory requirements

Expert Guidance

With over 15 years of experience in Kenyan safety regulations, we offer:

  • Regulatory interpretation and practical application
  • Cost-benefit analysis of different compliance approaches
  • Long-term planning for facility expansions and upgrades
  • Emergency compliance support when needed

Preparing for Implementation

Immediate Action Items

  1. Review current certifications and renewal dates
  2. Budget for increased fees in your 2023 planning
  3. Schedule required inspections before peak periods
  4. Update employee medical examination schedules
  5. Assess training needs under new fee structure

Documentation Requirements

Ensure you have current documentation for:

  • Workplace registration certificates
  • Equipment inspection certificates
  • Staff training records
  • Medical examination records
  • Professional certifications for safety personnel

Conclusion: Staying Compliant in the New Regulatory Environment

The updated DOSH fee structure represents a significant shift in Kenya's occupational safety landscape. While costs have increased, the standardized pricing provides better predictability for business planning.

The key to managing these changes effectively is early planning, efficient scheduling, and professional guidance. By understanding the full scope of requirements and working with experienced safety consultants, businesses can maintain compliance while optimizing costs.

At Mvono Consultants, we're committed to helping Kenyan businesses navigate these regulatory changes smoothly and cost-effectively. Our comprehensive understanding of the updated requirements, combined with our extensive experience across industries, positions us to provide the expert guidance you need.

Ready to assess your compliance requirements under the new fee structure? Contact Mvono Consultants today for a comprehensive review of your safety compliance needs and a customized plan that ensures regulatory adherence while optimizing costs.

Contact us:

  • Email: sales@mvonoconsultants.com
  • Phone: +254 720 270 694

Stay informed, stay compliant, stay safe.

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