Requirements for registering a Company in Kenya

1. Proposed Company Names: Provide three proposed names in order of priority. Ensure the names are unique and align with the company’s objectives.
2. Objectives of the Company: Define the company’s objectives in the Memorandum of Association to outline the scope of activities.
3. Director and Shareholder Information: Include detailed information about directors and shareholders, such as full names, identification details, and roles.
4. Division of Shares: Specify the division of shares among multiple owners.
5. Passport-Sized Photos: Submit recent passport-sized photos of all directors and shareholders for identification purposes.
6. Registered Office Address: Provide a local physical and postal address in Kenya for official correspondence.
7. Memorandum and Articles of Association: Draft these documents to detail the company’s structure, objectives, and operational guidelines.
8. Age Requirement: All directors and shareholders must be at least 18 years old.
9. Identification Documents: Kenyan citizens must supply a valid national ID, while foreign nationals should provide a valid passport.
10. KRA PIN Certificate: Ensure all directors and shareholders possess a valid KRA PIN certificate issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority.
11. eCitizen Account: Register an eCitizen account to access the Business Registration Service (BRS) portal for online registration.
12. Local Director or Certified Secretary: Foreign-owned companies may require the appointment of a local director or a certified company secretary.
13. Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs): Declare the UBOs of the company using the Beneficial Owner Form (BOF1).

Procedure of registering a company in Kenya

Follow this comprehensive step-by-step process to register your company in Kenya:

1. Access the BRS Portal on eCitizen:
   • Visit the official BRS eCitizen portal to begin the registration process.
   • Login with your existing credentials or create a new account if you’re a first-time user.
   • Select the Business Registration Service and choose the Private Limited Company application option.
2. Reserve Your Company Name: Submit three unique names in order of preference. The system will reserve the first available name that meets your criteria.
3. Complete Applicant and Business Details:
   • Enter the full legal names and ID/passport numbers of all directors and shareholders.
   • Provide detailed business objectives and primary activities (SIC codes) relevant to your industry.
   • Specify the projected start date, number of employees, and estimated annual turnover in KES.
4. Register Your Company Address:
   • Enter a physical location with complete details such as county, building, street, and plot number.
   • Include a postal address with the correct postal code for official correspondence.
   • Provide verified contact details, including a phone number and company email address.
5. Define Your Share Structure:
   • State the total authorized shares (minimum of one, with no maximum limit).
   • Declare the nominal capital in Kenyan Shillings (KES).
   • Specify the share classes available, such as ordinary or preference shares.
6. Declare Beneficial Ownership: Disclose all ultimate beneficial owners of the company as required by the regulatory guidelines.
7. Upload Required Company Documents:
   • CR1 Form: Include directors’ particulars (mandatory).
   • CR2 Form: Provide shareholders’ information (mandatory).
   • BOF1 Form: Submit the beneficial ownership declaration (mandatory since 2021).
   • Statement of Nominal Capital: Provide details on share allocation.
   • Attach National IDs for Kenyan directors/shareholders and passports for foreign directors/shareholders.
8. Pay Registration Fees: Complete the payment of the current registration fees. For detailed information, refer to the fee structure.
9. Receive Your Company Documents:
   • Certificate of Incorporation: A digital copy will be provided upon successful registration.
   • CR12 Extract: This document lists directors, shareholders, and the company secretary.
   • Official Company PIN: Automatically generated after the registration process is complete.

Related Articles

• Cost of company formation Kenya.
• How long it takes to register a company in Kenya

Company Registration in Kenya FAQs

1. What is the minimum capital to register a company in Kenya?

   The Companies Act of 2015 does not specify a minimum share capital, but most companies start with at least KES 100,000.

2. What is the Minimum Number of Shareholders and Directors of a company in Kenya?

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

3. Do i need a physical office to register a company in Kenya?

   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.

4. What is the role of a company secretary?

   A company secretary ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, maintains company records, and files annual returns with the Registrar of Companies.

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. It serves as legal proof of the company’s registration and is essential for various business operations, such as opening bank accounts

6. What types of companies can you register in Kenya?

   You can register the following types of companies 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.

Why Choose Biz Brokers Kenya for Company Registration

1. Save Time: With over a decade of experience in Kenyan business registration, We complete your application filings correctly the first time—no endless revisions or delays.
2. Best rates: Biz Brokers handles your company registration and bank account setup remotely—eliminating travel costs and hidden fees.
3. Simplified Compliance: We advise on the ideal company structure and keep you on track with annual returns and filings, so you stay compliant from day one to long‑term growth.
4. Instant Business Network: As a Biz Brokers client, you gain access to warm introductions with our pool of investors, suppliers, and corporate clients across Kenya.
5. Confidentiality: Your documents and data are protected and never shared without your written consent.

Conclusion

Registering a company in Kenya is a simple and efficient process if you follow the steps outlined in this guide. Whether you're a local or a foreigner, the eCitizen portal makes it easy to complete your registration Online. Start your business journey today and take advantage of Kenya’s growing economy.

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