Biz Brokers Kenya helps local founders, foreign investors, SMEs and organisations compare the available registration routes in Kenya before moving to the correct specialist filing process.
This hub compares the main routes: company, business name, foreign branch, LLP, trademark, KRA PIN, changes, searches and selected licensing/compliance filings.
A company suits scalable operations, contracts and investor-readiness. A business name suits simpler trading. A foreign branch suits an overseas parent company. A trademark protects the brand.
Not always. After registration, many businesses still need tax setup, bank onboarding, county permits, sector licences or brand protection depending on the activity.
This page routes you to the correct specialist page for the full filing detail. Use the links below for company, business name, branch, LLP, trademark and permit support.
This page is a registration services hub. Use this page to choose the correct route, then move to the relevant specialist page for the full filing detail. This helps you avoid confusing a company, business name, branch, trademark or operating licence.
| Registration need | Best for | Do not confuse it with | Detailed guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private limited company registration | SMEs, startups, tenders, investors, contracts, limited liability and scalable operations. | Business name registration or county business permit. | Company registration in Kenya |
| Business name registration | Sole proprietors and partnerships that need a simple trading registration. | A limited company, which is a separate legal entity. | Business name registration |
| Foreign company branch registration | An overseas company registering a Kenyan branch and obtaining a Certificate of Compliance. | A Kenyan subsidiary owned by foreign shareholders. | Foreign company branch registration |
| Foreign-owned Kenyan company | Foreign shareholders registering a local Kenyan private limited company/subsidiary. | Foreign branch registration. | Foreign-owned business in Kenya |
| Trademark registration | Protecting a brand name, logo, slogan, product name or service mark through KIPI. | Company or business name registration, which does not give full trademark protection. | Trademark registration in Kenya |
| Limited liability partnership registration | Professional or investment partnerships that need a structured LLP route. | Ordinary business name partnership. | LLP registration in Kenya |
| County business permits & licences | Businesses that are already registered and now need permission to trade from a location or sector. | Company incorporation or business name registration. | Business permit registration |
Use this section to identify the correct route before filing. We serve clients in Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret and across Kenya, including foreign clients comparing local company, branch, trademark and compliance options.
Best for SMEs, startups, tenders, contracts, investor-readiness and limited liability. Use this route where a separate Kenyan company is required.
Best for sole proprietors and simple partnerships that need a basic trading registration without forming a separate limited company.
Best where an already incorporated overseas company wants to register a Kenyan branch and obtain a Certificate of Compliance.
Best for protecting a brand name, logo, product name, service mark or commercial identity through KIPI. This is separate from company or business name registration.
Best after the entity is registered and needs tax profile setup, director PIN review, bank KYC pack preparation or compliance-readiness guidance.
Best for businesses that are already registered but need county permits, director/address changes, company secretary updates, official searches, CR12 requests or selected sector licensing.
Send us your proposed business activity, shareholder/director structure, nationality/residency position and preferred timeline. We will advise whether you need a company, business name, foreign branch, trademark, permit or combined setup.
Call/WhatsApp: +254 757 884 710 | Email: info@bizbrokerskenya.com
Many clients assume the certificate is enough to start trading. In practice, most businesses also need tax setup, banking documentation, physical location approvals, licences or sector-specific compliance.
| After registration item | Why it matters | When to do it |
|---|---|---|
| KRA PIN / tax profile | Needed for tax compliance, invoicing, bank onboarding and regulatory applications. | Immediately after incorporation or registration where applicable. |
| Bank KYC pack | Banks commonly request incorporation documents, ownership details, resolutions, tax documents and identity records. | Before approaching the bank, especially for foreign-owned structures. |
| County business permit | A registered entity may still need permission to trade from a specific premises or county. | Before physical trading or premises inspection. |
| Sector licences | Regulated sectors such as telecoms, recruitment, construction, energy, health, finance and education may need additional approvals. | Before operations in the regulated activity. |
| Trademark protection | Company/business name registration alone may not stop another party from filing or using a similar brand. | Before launch, marketing spend, importation, franchising or distribution. |
This is the main registration services hub. It helps you compare the route first. For the private limited company procedure, use the company registration guide. This hub is designed to help users choose the right registration category first.
A company is a separate legal entity. A business name is usually a simpler trading registration for a sole proprietor or partnership. The better choice depends on liability, banking, contracts, tax planning, ownership and growth plans.
Yes. A foreigner may register a Kenyan company in many sectors, but practical issues can include passport details, local address, tax setup, bank KYC, permits and immigration status if the person will work or reside in Kenya. If the foreign entity itself is registering in Kenya, review the foreign branch route.
No. A foreign company branch is an overseas company registered in Kenya and issued a Certificate of Compliance. A foreign-owned Kenyan company is a local Kenyan company whose shareholders may be foreign persons or foreign entities.
No. Company registration creates the legal entity. A business permit, sector licence or operational approval may still be required depending on location and activity.
It is strongly advisable if the name, logo or brand has commercial value. Company registration and business name registration do not provide the same protection as a trademark registration.
Yes. We serve clients across Kenya, including Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret and remote clients who need online filing and document coordination.
Registration procedures and portal workflows can change. Always confirm the live portal instructions before filing.
Information review date: 13 May 2026.
Tell us what you want to register, who owns it, where the business will operate and your target timeline. We will recommend the correct route and direct you to the relevant filing process or service quotation.
Call/WhatsApp: +254 757 884 710
Email: info@bizbrokerskenya.com
Office: Kose Heights, Argwings Kodhek Road, Kilimani, Nairobi