How to Register a Company in Kenya

Registering a company, whether it is a personal or a family business, gives it legal recognition and allows you to open bank accounts, sign contracts, hire employees and access government tenders.

In Kenya, company registration is conducted online through the Business Registration Service (BRS) via the eCitizen platform. 

Once registered, business owners receive a Certificate of Incorporation, a CR12 showing directors and shareholders, and a company PIN. After registration, businesses must also obtain relevant permits and comply with tax and statutory requirements.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to register a company in Kenya.

Also Read: The Cost of Starting a Business in Kenya: All The Taxes and Fees You Pay

Step 1: Choose and reserve a company name

The first step is selecting a business name. Through the BRS portal on eCitizen via brs.ecitizen.go.ke, applicants are required to submit between three and five preferred names in order of priority. The Registrar reviews the names to determine whether they are available and comply with naming regulations.

A company name cannot exceed 160 characters and must include the appropriate suffix depending on the type of entity, such as “Limited (Ltd)” for private companies and “PLC” for public companies. The name must not contain offensive, abusive, or political terms, nor should it be identical or confusingly similar to an existing registered trademark. Names containing words such as “cooperative,” “society,” or “trade union” are prohibited. 

Name approval typically takes between three and five working days.

Step 2: Prepare company details

Once the name has been approved, the next step is providing information about the company.

You will be required to submit details including: registered office address, nature of business activities, share capital, shareholding structure and contact information.

Applicants must also complete the relevant incorporation documents, including registration forms and constitutional documents where applicable.

Also Read: How to Start a Business; Step-By-Step

Step 3: Register directors and shareholders

A private limited company in Kenya can be incorporated with at least one director and one shareholder.

The following details are required for directors and shareholders: full names, national ID or passport details, KRA PIN, physical and postal address, email address, telephone number and passport-size photograph

Directors and shareholders must also be registered on the KRA iTax platform before incorporation.

Step 4: Fill in shareholding information

Applicants must indicate how ownership of the company will be divided among shareholders.

The system requires details on the number of shares held by each shareholder, percentage ownership and share capital allocation

After completing the information, the system generates incorporation forms that must be downloaded, signed, scanned and uploaded back to the portal.

Also Read: Nairobi Series: The Challenges of Starting a Business in Nairobi

Step 5: Pay the registration fee

Once all information has been verified, applicants are required to pay the registration fee through eCitizen.

Current registration fees include:

1. Business Name – Ksh950
2. Private Limited Company – Ksh10,650
3. Public Limited Company - Ksh10,650
4. Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) – Ksh25,000
5. Foreign Company – Ksh7,550
6. Company Limited by Guarantee – Ksh10,000

Other charges include:

1. Change of Business Name – Ksh800
2. Change of Company Name – Ksh4,000
3. Change of LLP Name – Ksh2,000

Step 6: Receive your certificate of incorporation

After approval by the Registrar and payment of the applicable fees, the company is officially registered.

The Business Registration Service then issues a certificate of incorporation, CR12 (list of directors and shareholders) and  company PIN

The Certificate of Incorporation contains the company's name, registration number and date of incorporation. This document serves as proof that the company legally exists.

Also Read: How To Successfully Start An Online Business In Kenya

Step 7: Register for tax and statutory obligations

Registering a company does not automatically allow it to start operating.

Business owners must also register for Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) obligations,the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and the Social Health Authority (SHA).

These registrations become particularly important once a company begins employing staff.

Step 8: Obtain business licences and permits

Depending on the type of business, additional licences may be required before operations begin.

Common permits include County business permits, trade licences and sector-specific approvals from regulators. The fees and procedures vary depending on the county and industry involved.

Types of companies you can register in Kenya

1. Private Limited Company (Ltd)

This is the most common form of business registration in Kenya. It is suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises and limits shareholders' liability to their investment in the company.

2. Public Limited Company (PLC)

A PLC is designed for larger businesses seeking to raise capital from the public through the sale of shares.

3. Company Limited by Guarantee

This type of company does not have share capital, meaning it has no shareholders. Instead, it is owned by members who act as guarantors. Their liability is limited to a predetermined amount that they agree to contribute towards the company’s debts and obligations if the organisation is wound up or dissolved. This amount is typically a nominal sum specified in the company’s memorandum of association.

4. Foreign Company

Foreign businesses wishing to establish a physical presence in Kenya can register a branch of an overseas company through the Business Registration Service. Foreign companies must maintain a registered place of business in Kenya and appoint at least one local representative resident in Kenya.

5. Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

An LLP combines features of a partnership and a company, allowing partners to enjoy limited liability protection.