Step 1: Pre-assessment of eligibility and pre-application support

• An establishment contacts Green Key Kenya for an introduction to the criteria and assessment of eligibility. Green Key Kenya will provide training and technical support to prepare establishments in meeting the criteria.

Step 2: Official application and evaluation

• When ready, an establishment completes the application form and attaches supporting documents as directed.
• Green Key Kenya evaluates the application documents to ensure all the necessary information is included.
• Once verified, an on-site audit is then authorised.

Step 3: On-site audit and report

• Well-trained third-party Green Key auditors visit the establishment to inspect the facilities and ensure that all the necessary criteria have been met.
• A report is then prepared and forwarded to Green Key Kenya.
• If improvements are needed, the secretariat of Green Key will assist the business to devise a strategy in order to meet or improve the criteria
• On-site audits are carried out before the first award of the Green Key certification, in year 2 and thereafter every third year.
• Off-site audits (document evaluation and update) are carried out in the years without on-site audits.
• Green Key Kenya will carry out control visits to establishments periodically to ensure continued compliance and to provide support where necessary.

Step 4: Green Key Kenya/National Jury recommendation and decision

• After on-site audits, the auditor will present Green Key Kenya with a comprehensive report based on compliance with the set criteria. A final decision on the award of the certification will be made based on the recommendations in the report.
• During years where there is no on-site audit, Green Key Kenya will present the renewal applications and supporting documentation with recommendations to the National Jury. The Jury will then make the final decision on the award of the certification to establishments.
• The Green Key Kenya National Jury is composed of members from various stakeholders including the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), representatives from the tourism industry, and the Kenya Organisation for Environmental Education (KOEE).

Step 5: Green Key certification awarded to establishment

• Approved establishments received a Green Key award certificate, a plaque indicating the year the award was issues, and optionally, a flag.
• The award is always valid for one year at a time.

Renewal of the award

• Before the end of the award period, Green Key Kenya will contact the establishment regarding the renewal of the award.
• The establishment will then need to send in various documents including information about changes in compliance with Green Key criteria since the last award.
• Final decisions on the renewal of the award will follow the same format as above, depending on whether or not an on-site audit is due.

Time Frame

The timeframe for obtaining Green Key certification varies and is dependent on the establishment’s sustainability efforts, support needs and application documents. Preparation for Green Key certification and the adjustment period usually takes longer than the approval of the application and the awarding of the certification.

 Costs

Green Key Kenya membership fees will prove to be a worthwhile investment as Green Key certification will provide continuous assistance and the business will maintain revenue as well as minimise operating costs. Membership fees include full pre-application support and training, marketing and international certification.

Please find details of Membership Fees below

Green Key Kenya – Membership Costs 2020 

Policies

You can access Green Key’s participation policies here