Quick answer:
Company registration in Kenya takes
7–14 business days under standard processing.
With fast-track handling and complete documents, registration can be completed in
4–7 business days.
This guide explains the exact company registration timeline in Kenya,
broken down by stage, and is written specifically for
foreign investors, startups, and SMEs planning to incorporate in 2026.
How long does it take to register a company in Kenya?
Registering a private limited company typically takes
7–14 business days.
Fast-track (4–7 days) is possible with complete documents.
| Stage |
Time Required |
Explanation |
| Name reservation |
2–6 business days |
Approval via eCitizen Business Registration Service (BRS) |
| Document preparation |
1–3 business days |
CR forms, IDs, PINs, beneficial ownership details |
| Registrar review |
3–10 business days |
Review and approval by Registrar of Companies |
| Certificate issuance |
Same day after approval |
Certificate of Incorporation issued electronically |
Total typical timeline: 7–14 business days.
Can a company be registered faster in Kenya?
Yes. With professional handling and correct documentation, company registration
can be completed in 4–7 business days.
- All documents prepared correctly on first submission
- No company name objections
- Immediate response to registrar queries
- Low-volume processing periods
What causes delays in company registration?
- Rejected or restricted company names
- Incomplete beneficial ownership information
- Unclear or mismatched ID documents
- Foreign director compliance requirements
- High workload at the Registrar of Companies
After Incorporation: What Comes Next?
After receiving the Certificate of Incorporation, most businesses must:
- Register for a company KRA PIN
- Open a corporate bank account
- Apply for county business permits or sector licences
Frequently Asked Questions: Company Registration Timeline in Kenya
How long does it take to register a company in Kenya?
Company registration in Kenya takes 7–14 business days under standard processing
through the eCitizen Business Registration Service (BRS).
Where documents are complete and no queries are raised,
incorporation can be completed in as little as 7 business days.
What is the fastest possible time to register a company in Kenya?
The fastest achievable company registration timeline in Kenya is
4–7 business days.
This is possible only when all documents are accurate, the company name is approved immediately,
and there are no Registrar or compliance queries.
Can foreign investors register a company in Kenya within one week?
Yes. Foreign investors can register a company in Kenya within one week
if they appoint a qualified local company secretary or resident director
and submit complete, compliant documentation on the first application.
What causes delays in company registration in Kenya?
The most common causes of delay include:
- Rejected or restricted company names
- Incomplete beneficial ownership disclosures
- Poor-quality or mismatched ID or passport documents
- Foreign director compliance checks
- High processing volumes at the Registrar of Companies
Can I track my company registration status in Kenya?
Yes. After submission via eCitizen BRS, you receive an application reference number.
You can track the status in real time through your eCitizen dashboard,
which shows each stage of the registration process.
Can I register a company in Kenya with one director and one shareholder?
Yes. Under the Companies Act 2015, a private limited company in Kenya
can have one director and one shareholder.
However, where there is foreign ownership,
appointing a Kenya-resident director or qualified company secretary
significantly reduces processing delays.
Do I need a company secretary at incorporation?
A company secretary is not mandatory for private companies
with share capital below KES 5 million.
However, it is legally required for public companies
and strongly recommended for companies with foreign directors or shareholders.
What documents are required for company registration in Kenya?
Required documents include proposed company names,
ID or passport copies for all directors and shareholders,
KRA PIN certificates, passport-size photographs,
a registered office address,
completed CR1, CR2, and CR8 forms,
beneficial ownership information,
and a share capital declaration.
What happens after I receive the Certificate of Incorporation?
After incorporation, the company must obtain a KRA PIN,
open a corporate bank account,
apply for county business permits or sector-specific licences,
and register for statutory tax and employment obligations where applicable.
Is there a minimum capital requirement to register a company in Kenya?
There is no legal minimum capital requirement for most companies in Kenya.
Many businesses register with a nominal share capital of KES 100,000,
although regulated industries may impose higher capital thresholds.