So what exactly is company Registration in Kenya? It’s a technical-sounding term but its meaning is quite simple. Company registration services in Kenya is the process by which a new (or existing) business registers as a limited company.
A limited company is a helpful structure for entrepreneurs since it’s entirely separate from you. Your risk is — as the name suggests ,limited. Any debt, losses, or legal claims associated with your company are not your responsibility. The company is a distinct legal entity. A ’person’ in its own right.
Many people in the Kenya, by comparison, are sole traders. This means the company and the owners are one and the same. A limited company clearly demarcates the person and their business.
This is a great benefit, but it’s more admin. Like anything in life, it’s a trade-off. But one that’s worth making if you’re serious about growing your business long-term.
Everyone in Kenya has a dream to start a business. Everyone wants to start a company to move forward with this dream and turn it into a reality. Therefore, there exists company registration services in Kenya. Through the Incorporation of a company, you can start your business legally where you are provided not the only infrastructure of growth but also assistance from the government.
Company registration services in Kenya is an important process for a proprietor to build a business. There are different types of Companies in Kenya, so businessmen need to select the right type of company for their business. The Ministry of Attorney General controls companies in Kenya. You can effortlessly register a company in Kenya online because the process is completely online. To proceed as a director and shareholder, you need at least one Director. To register a company one needs the Director’s KRA PIN, address proof, Copy of Passport, Passport photo among others.
Company registration services in Kenya is the lawful process to set up a legal organization or company. The detachment of the company’s assets and earnings from its owners and investors results in a corporation as an emerging lawful entity. We provide quick and inexpensive company registration services in Kenya through a 100% online procedure. Hundreds of companies in Kenya have registered through our trustworthy services.
The Business Name is the simplest business form under which one can operate a business. The Business Name is not a legal entity. It simply refers to a person who owns the business and is personally responsible for its debts.
The company is known as a limited liability company by shares when each member's liability is restricted to the unpaid amount on their shares as stated in the memorandum. Passionately speaking, this arrangement ensures that the company's members have limited responsibility for any outstanding amounts on their shares. . A Private Company, which restricts itself from inviting the public to subscribe to its shares, also falls under this category. The membership of a Private Company restricts to a maximum of 50 members.
Company registration services in Kenya: Its Articles allow its members the right to transfer their shares in the company and the articles do not prohibit invitations to the public to subscribe for shares or debentures of the company. The name must end with the expression “Public Limited Company” or the abbreviation “PLC”.
Company registration services in Kenya Limited liability partnerships commonly referred to as LLPs are unique forms of business association that combines elements of a company with those of a partnership. Upon registration, an LLP becomes a body corporate with a legal personality separate from its partners.
This Company is a branch of a company registered outside of Kenya, and has established a place of business in Kenya.
Company Registration in Kenya – The Kenyan government has streamlined the registration process. Whether you’re a Kenyan citizen or a foreign business owner looking to embark on registering a company in Kenya, the company registration process in Kenya is now online and takes between 5 and 7 working days to complete.
The Kenya Business Registration Services Act 2015 aims at easing the operation of businesses in the country. The Business Registration Service has its headquarters in Nairobi but has branches in every county for easy access to services. This in essence means that the services such as incorporation of companies, registration of business names and partnerships are devolved to the counties promoting local business ideas/legal entities reduce costs of registration and operations, which were initially being offered in Nairobi only.
If you’re looking to register a company in Kenya as a foreigner, the current BRS workflow handles name selection and registration together. You submit one full application and provide three (3) preferred names in the same submission.
Pick three clearly different names (not spelling variations) to reduce rejections and speed up approval for your Kenya company registration.
Most foreign investors choose a Private Limited Company (new Kenyan entity) or a Foreign Company/Branch (extension of an overseas parent).
Provide three name options and complete the full company registration form (ownership, directors, contacts, and share capital where applicable).
After submission, pay the required government fee as prompted and keep the payment confirmation for your records.
BRS reviews your names and the application. If anything is missing, you may be asked to amend and resubmit to proceed.
Once approved, download your certificate and registration extracts from the portal (needed for many next steps).
Typically includes tax setup (KRA PIN), licensing (county/sector), and (if hiring) statutory registrations.
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.
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 company with share capital
9. Form CR8 – This is the notice of registered address form and
10. Statement of Nominal capital by all Directors.
Kenya is the Largest Economy in the East African Community, the 65th Largest economy in the world and the Financial, technical and Communications hub in East Africa.
The Kenyan GDP has on average grown at a rate of 6% since 2004 with a Per Capita GDP estimated at $1,991. After Company Registration in Kenya you get access to the East Africa Community giving you access to a market of about 150 million people and a market size with a GDP of Billion USD 145.
If you want to register a company in Kenya as a foreigner, these are the official government fees only payable on the BRS/eCitizen portal (no service fees included).
Best for foreign shareholders/directors who want a standalone Kenyan company for contracts, leasing, staffing, and local operations.
Best if you already have a parent company abroad and need a registered branch presence in Kenya.
Often used by professional firms/partnerships that prefer an LLP structure rather than a limited company.
Typically for NGOs/associations (no share capital). Processing may involve additional vetting depending on the case.
A simpler structure (not a separate legal entity). Often less suitable for foreign ownership plans compared to a limited company or branch.
| Entity / Service | Best fit for foreigners | Govt fee (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Limited Company | New Kenyan company for foreign shareholders/directors to operate locally. | 10,650 |
| Foreign Company (Branch) | Register an overseas company’s branch to operate in Kenya. | 7,550 |
| Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) | Professional firms and partnerships that prefer an LLP structure. | 25,000 |
| Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) | Typically for NGOs/associations (no share capital). | 10,000 |
| Business Name Registration | Simpler setup; often less ideal for foreign ownership plans. | 950 |
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