How To Register a Business In Kenya

Kenya’s Business Registering Service has made company registration in Kenya easy for locals via the eCitizen portal. The platform allows individuals to carry out the entire process from name search to actual registration at your convenience. Getting a business formalized is essential to benefit from certain corporate and government protection.

How To Register a Business In Kenya

A business name registration is an affordable alternative to the incorporation of a company in Kenya however, this structure does not offer the protection of limited liability. Registration starts with reservation of business name, after approval, registration commences. The proprietor must specify the nature of the business, the application must indicate the physical address of the business and proprietor(s) details. All documentation must also be signed. Foreigners are only allowed to incorporate a company and the process is slightly different.

There are four business entity structures Kenyan individuals and groups typically look to register in the country. These companies are categorized as follows

1. Private Company limited by shares: This type of company has a share capital and the liability of each member is limited to the amount, if any, unpaid on their shares. A private company cannot offer its shares for sale to the public and may not have more than fifty (50) members.

2. Public limited company: A public company has a share capital and limits the liability of each member to the amount unpaid on their shares. It may offer its shares for sale to the public and may be listed at the securities.

3. Companies limited by guarantee: This type of company does not have share capital and its members are guarantors rather than shareholders. The liability of members is limited to the amount they agree to contribute to the company’s assets if it is liquidated.

4. Unlimited liability companies: This type of company has no limit on the liability of its members.

Company Registration requirements in Kenya

Registration, and by extension incorporation of both private and public companies follow the same procedure in Kenya. The necessary requirements for registration are;

1. Proposed Company/Business name

The proposed business name search is conducted to ensure it is not similar to an existing registered business. If approved, it is reserved for 30 days. BRS requires a minimum of 3 names to be submitted.

2. Objectives of the Business

This is essentially the business that the company is being set up to carry out. This business must be entirely legal and not against public policy.

3. Names of the Directors, contact details and email

For transparency and accountability purposes, KRA requires that the director’s information be indicated on the application for registration.

4. Proof of Identification

A valid and unexpired proof of identification must be provided for each director. A national identity card suffices for Kenyan citizens

5. Passport Photo

A clear and recent passport photograph must be provided for each director and officer of the company.

6. KRA PIN

All directors whether resident or non-resident are required to provide a Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Personal Identification Number (PIN) certificate copy to prove registration with the tax authority.

In addition, the following forms must be signed by all directors and submitted during registration

7. Form CR1 – This is the company registration form.

8. Form CR2 – This is the Memorandum of the company with share capital

9. Form CR8 – This is the notice of registered address form and

10. Statement of Nominal capital by all Directors.

How to register a business in Kenya online

  1. Step 1 – Log into your eCitizen portal. Go to the eCitizen portal and key in your username/email and password.
  2. Step 2 – Submit your business name
  3. Step 3 – Payment procedure
  4. Step 4 – Get confirmation of name registration