Need company registration fast?
We can assist with incorporation in 7 business days when documents are ready.

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

Registering a private limited company in Kenya takes 7–14 business days on the eCitizen Business Registration Service (BRS). When all documents are perfectly prepared and payments made immediately, approval can take as little as 4–7 business days.

Stage Estimated Duration Notes / Platform
Name reservation
Availability search & reservation on BRS		 2–6 business days Handled entirely on eCitizen; ensure proposed name meets 2026 BRS naming rules
Document preparation & upload
Memorandum & Articles, CR forms, director/shareholder details		 1–3 business days Requires ID/passport, KRA PIN, passport photos, and share allocation
Registrar review & Certificate of Incorporation 3–10 business days Duration depends on BRS workload and accuracy of forms uploaded
Post-incorporation compliance
KRA PIN, bank account, licenses		 1–14 days KRA PIN is instant; banking and licensing vary by institution and industry
Total typical timeline: 7–14 business days. Fast-track approval (4–7 days) is possible with complete documents and prompt BRS payments.

Standard vs Fast-Track Registration (Quick Comparison)

TypeEstimated TimeHow to achieve
Standard 7–14 business days Normal BRS processing; ensure all CR forms are correctly completed
Fast-Track 4–7 business days Pre-prepared documents, instant payments, responsive directors, and use of an experienced agent

Factors That Affect Company Registration Duration in Kenya

The company registration timeline in Kenya is not fixed. Processing speed depends on several factors that influence approvals on the BRS system:

  • Document accuracy: Most delays happen due to incorrect IDs, poorly scanned documents, or missing signatures.
  • Name compliance: Names similar to existing companies or containing restricted terms are automatically rejected.
  • BRS workload: High-volume periods (especially end of quarter) extend review times.
  • Director responsiveness: Fast reply to BRS notifications significantly reduces waiting time.
  • Agent expertise: Professional company registration agents and secretaries prevent re-submissions and shorten approval time.

company registration requirements Kenya

These are the official company registration requirements in Kenya for 2026. You must prepare all documents below before beginning the eCitizen/BRS incorporation process. Proper preparation prevents delays, rejections, and missing information flags.

Mandatory Documents & Information Checklist

You will need the following to successfully register a private limited company (LLC) in Kenya:

  • Three (3) Proposed Company Names: Unique, compliant, and listed in order of preference.
  • Nature of Business Description: Clear description of main business activities.
  • Physical Registered Office Address: Kenyan physical location (not a P.O. Box).
  • Company Postal Address: Valid P.O. Box mailing address.
  • Company Contact Information: Active email address and phone number.
  • Statement of Nominal Share Capital: Signed capital declaration.
  • Completed Statutory Forms: CR1, CR2, CR8 and Beneficial Ownership forms.
  • ID or Passport Copies for all directors and shareholders.
  • KRA PIN Certificates for all directors, shareholders, and beneficial owners.
  • Passport-Size Photographs: Recent digital photos.
  • Shareholding Structure: Percentage allocation per shareholder.
  • Corporate Shareholder Documents: If applicable—company registration certificate and director authorization.
  • Director/Shareholder Contact Details: Personal emails and phone numbers.

Important Notes on Company Registration Requirements

  • Foreign Directors/Shareholders: Must provide passport copies and may require a qualified company secretary.
  • Document Format: All files must be clear, color scans in PDF or JPEG format for eCitizen upload.
  • Company Name Rules: Avoid names that resemble government bodies, existing companies, or trademarked brands.

Pro Tip: Most rejections occur due to mismatched ID details or incomplete beneficial ownership information. Verify every detail before submission.

Step-by-Step Process of how to register a company in Kenya

Step 1: Log in / create eCitizen account & access BRS

Create or log in to your eCitizen portal, then navigate to Business Registration Service (BRS) and choose “Register a Company”.

Step 2: Submit three proposed names & reserve

Enter at least three unique and compliant company names in order of priority. The first available name will be reserved. Avoid offensive or overly similar names to existing entities.

Step 3: Fill in statutory forms & company details

Enter required information: directors, shareholders, registered office, business activities, share capital, etc. The system will auto-generate CR1, CR2, CR8 (and beneficial-ownership forms if required).

Step 4: Upload scanned documents and photos

Upload scanned copies of IDs/passports, KRA PINs, passport photos, constitution (or use model articles) and share-capital declaration. Ensure scans are clear and accurate — errors cause most delays.

Step 5: Pay statutory fees & submit application

Pay the registration fee (approx KES 10,650) via M-Pesa / card / bank transfer through BRS. Submit application for review.

Step 6: Registrar review & certificate issuance

If all is in order, the Registrar issues the Certificate of Incorporation and CR12 (company extract) — usually within 3–7 business days

Post-Incorporation Steps: What to do after registration

  • Register company for a KRA PIN (tax ID) if not already assigned.
  • Open a corporate bank account (using Certificate of Incorporation, CR12, KRA PIN, director IDs)
  • Apply for any sector-specific licenses or county business permits depending on your business type — e.g. trading license, health / environmental compliance, etc.
  • If hiring staff — register for statutory compliance (e.g. PAYE, social security where applicable).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I register a company with just one director and one shareholder?

Yes. Under the Companies Act 2015, a private limited company can have just one director and one shareholder. For easier banking and statutory compliance, having at least one Kenya-resident director or a qualified company secretary is advisable.

Do I need a company secretary at incorporation?

Not mandatory for private companies with share capital under KES 5 million. However required for public companies or where foreign ownership/foreign directors are involved.

What happens after I get the Certificate of Incorporation?

You’ll need to register for a company KRA PIN, open a corporate bank account, obtain any required business licenses or county permits, and ensure compliance (PAYE, social security, etc.) depending on operations.

How long does company registration take in Kenya?

Standard processing takes 7-14 business days through eCitizen BRS. With complete documents and no queries, some applications are approved in 7 days.

What documents are needed for company registration?

Required documents include: three proposed company names, ID/Passport copies for all directors and shareholders, KRA PIN certificates, passport photos, registered office address, CR1/CR2/CR8 forms, and share capital declaration.

What is the minimum capital for a Kenyan company?

There is no legal minimum capital requirement. Most companies register with KES 100,000 as standard practice. Certain regulated sectors may require higher capital thresholds.

Call to Action

Need Your Company Registered with urgency +254757884710 | Email: info@bizbrokerskenya.com | Chat on WhatsApp | Khose Plaza, off Argings Khodhek Road, Kilimani, Nairobi

Fast company registration in Nairobi

Biz Brokers Kenya provides fast and reliable business startup and registration services in Kenya.

Our services

Difference between a Limited company and a Business name

Limited Company & Business Name; .

Business Name Search
Name search Application.

Go! click me