Starting a company in Kenya has never been easier. Thanks to digitisation through the Business Registration Service (BRS) on eCitizen, you can now register a business from anywhere in the country and receive your Certificate of Incorporation within days.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know, from requirements and costs to timelines, documents, and common mistakes, so you can register your company with confidence.
Table of Contents
1. What Does Company Registration Mean?
2. Types of Companies in Kenya
3. Requirements for Company Registration
4. Step‑by‑Step Registration Process
5. Cost of Registering a Company (2026)
6. How Long the Process Takes
7. Documents Issued After Registration
8. What to Do After Registration
9. Common Mistakes to Avoid
10. Frequently Asked Questions
11. Conclusion
What Does Company Registration Mean?
Registering a company in Kenya means creating a legal business entity recognised by the government. Once registered:
Your company becomes a separate legal entity from its owners
You can open a company bank account
You can apply for tenders and government contracts
You gain legal protection and credibility
Most companies in Kenya are registered under the Companies Act, 2015.
Types of Companies in Kenya
Choosing the correct business structure is crucial. Here are the main types:
1. Private Limited Company (Ltd)
Ideal for startups and growing businesses
1–50 shareholders
Limited liability for owners
Separate legal entity
Most recommended for serious entrepreneurs
2. Sole Proprietorship
Owned by one person
Simple registration
Profits taxed as personal income
Does not protect personal assets
3. Partnership
Suitable for 2 or more owners
Shared profits and liabilities
Common among professional service providers
4. Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
Common for law firms, consultancies, and professional businesses
Combines partnership flexibility with limited liability
5. Branch of a Foreign Company
For international companies entering Kenya
Subject to Kenyan laws and regulations
Requirements for Registering a Company in Kenya
To register a company, you need:
A National ID (or passport for foreigners)
KRA PIN for all directors and shareholders
Passport-sized photos of directors
A valid phone number and email address
A physical business address
The KRA PIN is mandatory for tax registration and future compliance.
Step‑by‑Step Registration Process
Step 1: Create an eCitizen Account
Visit eCitizen.go.ke and create an account using your ID, email, and phone number.
Step 2: Access Business Registration Service
Once logged in:
Click Business Registration Service
Select Register Company
Step 3: Conduct a Name Search
Propose 3 unique names
Wait for approval (2–6 business days)
Once approved, the name is reserved for 30 days
Tip: Choose a name that reflects your brand and is unlikely to conflict with existing businesses.
Step 4: Provide Company Details
Include:
Company name
Business activity
Directors and shareholders
Share capital (e.g., 100 shares at KSh 100 each)
Step 5: Provide Director and Shareholder Information
Full names
ID numbers
KRA PINs
Contact details
Step 6: Declare Beneficial Ownership
Identify individuals who ultimately control the company
Mandatory under Kenyan law
Step 7: Download, Sign, and Upload Forms
Forms include:
CR1 (Company registration form)
CR2 (Statement of nominal capital)
CR8 (Consent of directors)
Step 8: Pay Registration Fees
Payment options:
M-Pesa
Debit or credit card
Bank transfer
Cost of Registering a Company (2026)
Item Cost (KSh)
Name search 150
Company registration 10,650
Optional services Varies
A standard private limited company costs about KSh 10,650. Fees may vary depending on the company’s structure and share capital.
Timeline for Company Registration
Stage Duration
Name approval 2–6 business days
Document verification 3–10 business days
Certificate issuance Same day after approval
Total: Typically 7–14 business days; faster processing may take 4–7 days.
Documents Issued After Registration
After successful registration, you receive:
1. Certificate of Incorporation- Proof of your company’s legal existence
2. CR12 Form – Lists directors and shareholders; required for banks and tenders
3. Company PIN Certificate – Required for tax purposes
What to Do After Registration
1. Apply for KRA PIN
Mandatory for tax filing, licensing, and contracts
2. Open a Company Bank Account
Required documents: Certificate of Incorporation, CR12, PIN certificate
3. Apply for Business Permits
Issued by your county government
Example: Nairobi, Siaya, or Mombasa
4. Register for VAT (If Applicable)
Mandatory if annual turnover exceeds KSh 5 million
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing the wrong business structure
Proposing a name similar to an existing company
Incorrect share allocation
Failing to declare beneficial ownership
Providing inaccurate business activity details
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can One Person Register a Company?
Yes. A single individual can register a private limited company with 1 director and 1 shareholder.
Can Foreigners Register Companies in Kenya?
Yes. Foreigners need a passport, work permit, and a local business address.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
Not necessarily. The process can be completed online via eCitizen.
Can I Register a Company Using a Mobile Phone?
Yes. The eCitizen platform is fully mobile-friendly.
Why Register a Company in Kenya Today?
Growth of freelancing and digital businesses
Opportunities in government tenders
Easier access to financing and business credibility
Digital registration makes the process fast and convenient
Conclusion
Registering a company in Kenya is straightforward if you follow the correct steps. By creating an eCitizen account, reserving your company name, submitting the required forms, and paying the registration fee, your company can be legally established in under two weeks.
A registered company:
Gains legal protection
Can operate officially and grow
Is eligible for contracts, tenders, and financing
With this guide, you are ready to take the first step toward building a successful business in Kenya.
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