Starting a business in Kenya? The first step is registering your company. Kenya has streamlined its company registration process through the eCitizen portal, making it faster and more accessible than ever. This guide covers everything you need to know.
Types of Business Entities in Kenya
- Private Limited Company (Ltd): The most common structure for SMEs. Shareholders’ liability is limited to their investment. Requires at least one director and one shareholder.
- Sole Proprietorship: A business registered in one person’s name. Simple to set up; owner is personally liable for all debts.
- Partnership: Two or more people running a business together. Partners share profits and are jointly liable.
- Public Limited Company (PLC): Can offer shares to the public. Subject to more stringent regulatory requirements.
- Branch Office: A foreign company can register a branch in Kenya to operate locally.
- NGO/CBO: Non-profit organisations registered under the NGO Coordination Act or Societies Act.
Documents Required for Company Registration
- Proposed company name (3 options in order of preference)
- National ID or passport of directors and shareholders
- KRA PIN of directors and shareholders
- Proposed physical address of the company
- Description of business activities
- Share structure (number of shares and shareholding percentages)
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (M&A)
Step 1: Name Search & Reservation
Log in to the Business Registration Service (BRS) via eCitizen (ecitizen.go.ke). Conduct a name search to confirm your proposed company name is available. Reserve the name online — reservation is valid for 30 days.
Step 2: Online Application
Complete the company registration application on the eCitizen portal. You will need to input details of all directors, shareholders, the registered address, and the nature of business.
Step 3: Submit Memorandum and Articles of Association
The M&A is the constitutional document of the company. It sets out the company’s objectives, governance structure and rules for operation. WakiliAfrica drafts tailored M&As that protect your interests and comply with the Companies Act, 2015.
Step 4: Pay Registration Fees
Government registration fees are paid online via eCitizen. Fees vary depending on the share capital of the company.
Step 5: Certificate of Incorporation Issued
Upon approval, the Registrar of Companies issues a Certificate of Incorporation — your official proof that the company legally exists. This is issued digitally via eCitizen.
Step 6: Post-Registration Requirements
After incorporation, you must:
- Register for a company KRA PIN on iTax
- Register for VAT (if annual turnover exceeds KES 5 million)
- Register for NHIF and NSSF (if hiring employees)
- Apply for a Single Business Permit from the County Government
- Open a business bank account
- Comply with sector-specific licences if required
How Long Does It Take?
Company registration via eCitizen typically takes 3 to 7 working days for a straightforward private limited company, assuming all documents are in order.
WakiliAfrica Corporate Services
WakiliAfrica provides end-to-end company registration services — name search, M&A drafting, filing, KRA PIN registration, NHIF/NSSF registration and post-incorporation compliance. We ensure your business has the right legal foundation from day one.
Contact us on +254 725 021709 or visit Embassy House, Nairobi.