To All Commercial Rafting Companies & Guides in Kenya
RE: 2026 OPERATING REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL RAFTING COMPANIES IN KENYA
We hope this communication finds you well.
As you are all aware, commercial rafting and water sports activities in Kenya are now regulated under an established governing framework from the Government of Kenya. In line with this mandate, the following minimum approved quality service standards shall apply to all commercial rafting and outdoor water sports operators with effect from 1st March 2026.
The Standards Operating Requirements are as follows:-
- Water Sports TRA License
All operators must possess a valid Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) Water Sports License. - Outdoor Risk Insurance
Operators must maintain outdoor activity risk insurance with a minimum coverage of USD 1,000,000(optional) in risk compensation. Higher coverage may be required depending on the nature of activities and client needs. - Qualification and Certified Guides
All guides must be trained and certified by at least one of the following recognized bodies:-
a. Kenya Rafting Federation (KRF)
b. World Rafting Federation (WRF)
c. International Rafting Federation (IRF)
In addition, guides must hold:-
A valid Guide License issued by the State Department of Sports (applications facilitated through KRF)
- First Aid (FA)certification – consult KRF
- Company Risk Assessment and Audit
Every rafting business, outdoor sports operator, or training company shall undergo a risk assessment and operational audit conducted by the Kenya Rafting Federation. Kindly contact the Federation to book for audit time-table. - Kenya Anti-Doping Compliant (ADAK – Anti Doping Agency of Kenya Rules)
The Kenya Rafting Federation is a signatory to the ADAK Anti-Doping Regulations.
Therefore, all operators, guides, athletes must comply fully by adhering to the protocol.
KRF Membership Benefits
Compliant operators will be officially listed as KRF Approved Operators and shared on KRF official website effective 1st March 2026.
The Kenya Rafting Federation shall charge a membership fee of KES 35,000 per rafting operator annually, Clubs to pay KES 20,000/- per year and Guides KES 4,000 per guide paid to KRF bank account which will be obtained from KRF offices. Official payment receipts will be issued together with accreditation certificate to operators and guide badges/licence.Take note: The list of approved operators will be shared with major tour operators in Kenya and abroad.
Compliance Notice
All operators must be compliant with Kenya government regulations governing water rafting and outdoors.
The Kenya Rafting Federation remains fully committed to training, and supporting all tour/rafting operators by providing assistance to rafting guides in Kenya upon request and will coordinate all trainings with relevant international bodies to make sure all standards of safety and customer care is upheld.
NB: All private rafting guides operating in Kenya not attached to any Rafting Company will contact Kenya Rafting Federation for further directions.
This communication is issued without prejudice.
Kind regards,
William Kinuthia
Secretary General
Kenya Rafting Federation