This is a guide on how to apply for an official search (CR12) on the eCitizen portal in Kenya.
What is a CR12 Document?
A CR12 is an official document issued by the Registrar of Companies in Kenya. It provides details about the ownership and directorship of a company, including:
- List of Directors and Shareholders: It lists all the current directors and shareholders of the company. It also shows their respective shareholding proportions.
- Company Status: The CR12 indicates whether the company is active, dormant, or in the process of being dissolved.
- Registered Office: The document may also include the company’s registered office address.
- History of Changes: Sometimes, the CR12 may reflect changes in directorship or shareholding that have occurred over time.
Purpose of CR12
The CR12 is often required for various purposes, such as:
- Legal Transactions: It is commonly requested in legal transactions, such as the transfer of shares, property transactions, and court cases.
- Banking and Finance: Banks may require a CR12 when opening a business account or providing loans to a company.
- Government Tenders: Companies applying for government tenders may need to provide a CR12 as proof of their legal status and ownership structure.
- Verification: It serves as a means of verifying the legal standing and current ownership of a company.
The CR12 is an important document that ensures transparency and helps verify a company’s legitimacy and ownership details.
To apply CR12, follow these steps:
Step 1: Access the eCitizen Portal
- Go to the eCitizen portal using your web browser.
- Log in with your credentials. If you don’t have an account, you need to create one by signing up.
Step 2: Navigate to the Business Registration Service
- Once logged in, click on the “Business Registration Service (BRS)” icon on the dashboard.
- If you don’t see it, you can search for “Business Registration Service” using the search bar.
Step 3: Start the Official Search Application
- In the Business Registration Service section, look for the section “My Applications”.
- Click on “Make Application”.
Step 4: Provide Company Details
- Enter the company registration number or name in the search box provided.
- Select your company from the list of suggestions that appear.
Step 5: Fill in the Application Form
- Complete the application form by filling in the required details such as postal address, postal code, email and phone number.
- Review your application to ensure all information is correct.
Step 6: Pay the Applicable Fees
- Proceed to payment. The system will redirect you to the payment options. At the moment, CR12 charges are Kes 650.
- Choose your preferred payment method (e.g., M-Pesa, debit/credit card, or bank transfer).
- Complete the payment.
Step 7: Submit the Application
- After payment, submit your application.
- In most cases, the CR12 certificate is produced immediately after payment.
Step 9: Download the CR12
- Under your applications, find the one for the CR12 search and download the document.
Ensure you have all the necessary details and documents before starting the process to avoid delays. The Official Search is a computer-generated certificate. Only Linked and Verified companies will generate an automated official search. The Official Search is addressed to the Individual or Business logged in and making the application.
