How to register a limited company in Kenya

LLC Company registration in Kenya is completed via the government eCitizen BRS portal. Follow these steps to register a Private Limited Company (LTD) or similar entity Online.

1. Open an eCitizen Account
   • Visit eCitizen and create an account.
   • Kenyan citizens register using a National ID number. Non-Kenyan residents register using a passport number.
2. Reserve Your Company Name
   • Log in and go to the Business Registration Service (BRS).
   • Submit 3 proposed names in order of preference. The Registrar approves the first available name after a uniqueness check.
3. Prepare incorporation documents

   Compile and scan the statutory company registration documents and uploading them into the BRS Portal.

4. Pay and Submit Your Application Pay the company registration fees Online (M-Pesa, card or bank payment options available).
5. Registrar review & approval

   The Registrar reviews documents for compliance and completeness. If any issues are found you will be notified to correct and resubmit.

6. Obtain Certificate of Incorporation

   When the Registrar approves the application you will receive:

   • A digital Certificate of Incorporation.
   • Form CR12 confirming the list of directors and shareholders.

What are the requirements?

Below is a list of all the documents and information required to successfully register a limited company in Kenya.

1. Proposed company names: at least three names in order of priority.
2. Nature of business: a clear description of primary business activities.
3. Registered address: physical and postal address (plot number, street/road).
4. Share capital: statement of nominal capital and allocation among shareholders.
5. Contact details for all directors and shareholders. Which include,
   • Postal address
   • Email address
   • Phone number
6. Residential addresses of the directors which include the name of town, name of road, House number and county.
7. Scanned copies of national ID cards (Kenyan citizens) or passports (foreign nationals) of the directors and shareholders.
8. KRA PIN certificates for directors and shareholders.
9. Passport-sized photos for directors/shareholders.
10. Application registration forms which include,
    • Form CR1 — Application for company registration.
    • Form CR2 — Model Memorandum for a company limited by shares (CR3/CR4 for other company types).
    • Form CR8 — Notice of registered office & directors’ addresses.
    • Form BOF1 — Beneficial owner register (those with ≥10% shareholding).
    • Statement of Nominal Capital (share structure and value).

How long does it take to register a company in Kenya?

Company registration duration in Kenya typically takes an average of 7–14 business days. This include the following

1. Name Search and Reservation2–3 business days.
2. Document Preparation and Submission1–2 business days
3. Application Processing3–7 business days
4. Certificate of Incorporation Issuance1–2 business days

Post-registration checklist.

• Company KRA PIN & VAT (if required) — register on Kenya revenue Authority iTax immediately after incorporation.
• County business permit — obtain a trading/business permit from the county government where the business operates.
• National social Insurance and Health registration — register as an employer and enroll staff where applicable.
• Corporate bank account — open a company bank account to separate personal and business finances.
• Industry licenses — identify any sector-specific licensing requirements (health, construction, transport, hospitality, etc.).

Types of companies You can register in Kenya

1. Private Limited Company:

   Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses.

2. Public Company:

   Suitable for large businesses with public shareholding.

3. Company Limited by Guarantee:

   Commonly used by non-profit organizations. Learn more about registering a Company Limited by Guarantee in Kenya.

4. Foreign Company:

   For businesses owned by non-residents. Guide to Foreign Company setup.

Do you need a local (resident) director in a Kenyan company?

No. Where a non Kenyan intends to register a company in Kenya a Kenya-resident director greatly simplifies practical matters (eCitizen, KRA, banking, and permits). However you can opt to appoint a company secretary. We can provide nominee or local director facilitation if needed.

When must you appoint a company secretary?

You are generally required to appoint a company secretary under the following circumstances

1. When paid-up Nominal capital reaches KES 5,000,000 or more
2. Where the company is owned by a Non-Kenyan with no resident director.

The secretary must be a registered certified public secretary (CPS) of good standing.

What is the minimum number of shareholders and directors for a company in Kenya?

A company must have a minimum of one shareholder and one director.

Do you need a physical office to register a company?

Yes, a registered office address is mandatory in Kenya. However, in some cases, a virtual office may be acceptable, depending on the nature of your business.

Company Registration in Kenya FAQs

1. How do I check if a company is registered in Kenya?

   You can verify a company’s registration status through the Business Registration Service (BRS) on the eCitizen platform. A search provides company details such as directors, registration number, and status.

2. What is the difference between company registration in Nairobi and other parts of Kenya?

   Company registration is centralized Online via eCitizen. Whether you are in Nairobi, Kisumu, or Mombasa, the process and requirements remain the same.

3. What is a certificate of incorporation?

   This is the official document issued once your company is successfully registered. It proves your company exists as a legal entity under Kenyan law and is often required for opening a bank account or signing contracts.

4. Can I register a company in Kenya without a lawyer?

   Yes, you can complete the company registration process on eCitizen. However, many people choose to work with consultants or lawyers to ensure compliance, avoid delays, and handle extra tasks like KRA PINs, NSSF, and NHIF registration.

5. What is a CR12 certificate?

   The CR12 certificate, also known as the Company Extract, is an official document that provides a snapshot of the company’s key details, including information on directors, shareholders, and registered office.