Business name registration Kenya Archives

The information found in this article is the basics of how to register a Business Name in Kenya. A Business Name is the simplest form of business that an entrepreneur can operate.

The Business Name is not a legal entity. It simply refers to a person who owns the business and is personally responsible for its debts. Once you register a business name in Kenya, you will be issued a business registration certificate.

This certificate will be required in many areas when you are conducting day-to-day business. The process of registering a Limited Company is a bit different.

What You Need to Register a Business Name in Kenya

Your ID number.
An eCitizen account.
A passport photo.
Three or up to five proposed business names.
The person(s) registering the business name must specify the nature of the business in one line e.g Stationary, Food Stuff, Hardware.
The applicant must indicate the physical address of the business that is; plot number, Road and Town.
Indicate the postal code, address and town to be used by the business.
Indicate the proprietor(s) details: the name(s) should be in full as per the ID Number and all details must be filled in.
Download the system-generated form, sign and re-upload it. All partners/proprietors must sign on the downloaded form.
Registration fees amounting to Kshs. 950.

How to Register a Business Name in Kenya

Log into your eCitizen account. You can learn how to create an eCitizen account here.
Locate and click on the Business Registration Service link.
Next to my applications option, click on make application.
Click on the Business Name Registration link and proceed by clicking on the ‘Apply Now button.
On the next page select the business type and enter your preferred business name. Describe the name you are searching although this is not a must.
Fill in the rest of the information as specified below.

Business Name Registration — *Business name registration on eCitizen*

Proposed Names

Provide your proposed business names. The names should be provided in order of PRIORITY and the first three are mandatory. The first available name will automatically be assigned to the business. Click on save and continue.

Nature of Business

Select if you are the proprietor or lawyer of the business. Enter your address and postal code. Select the nature of the business. If you cannot find it among the list provided, select others. Note that relevant documents will be required for special cases for instance if you are starting a clinic. Normal business for sale or supply will not require any document.

Registered Address

In this section enter the primary address and building where the business is located. Provide as much information as you can. If you skip some crucial information, the business name will not be approved. You will be requested to make the necessary adjustments.

Ownership Information

Click on add proprietor to enter the required information. Type the ID number and the first name then click on verify. Fill in the rest of the information and also remember to upload your passport photo.

Click on submit to continue. If you are in partnership, after entering the first proprietor, click on the ‘Add Proprietor’ button to add the other partner. Once through, click on the save and continue button.

Application Documents

In this stage, download the BN 2 form and print it. After printing, sign and scan it before uploading it. Click on the submit and review option. Check if your application is okay and click on finish to make payment. Choose your payment method and pay Kenya shillings 850.

Final Part on How to Register a Business Name in Kenya

After following the above procedure to register a business name in Kenya, you wait for 2 to 3 days for the registration to be approved. If some details are not okay, you will be asked to amend them.

Click on the View button and click on download the business registration certificate.

In case your business is no longer in operation, remember to officially deregister the business.

This is a step-by-step guide on how to register a limited company in Kenya. However, those interested in registering a business name should check out this article.

The process of company registration is now online. This implies that all the processes starting from name search to printing of the final certificate are accomplished online.

No more visiting Sheria House for registration. The only time you visit Sheria House is when applying for a certified copy or a duplicate copy. And at that time, you only go there to pick up your document.

This is a major improvement in service delivery as it usually takes a much shorter time and resources. Follow these simple steps to register your company name in Kenya.

How to register a company in Kenya — *Company Registration Service*

What You Require to Register a Company in Kenya

An eCitizen Account.
Three or up to five names you intend to use as your company or business name.
A KRA pin.
A passport photo.
Your basic details such as ID number, names, email, phone number, and postal address.

Types of Entities You Can Register on eCitizen

Business Name Registration

This is the simplest business form under which one can operate a business. The Business Name is not a legal entity. It simply refers to a person who owns the business and is personally responsible for its debts.

Private Limited Company

A company is limited by shares if the liability of its members is limited by the memorandum to the amount, if any, unpaid on the shares respectively held by them. The name must end with the expression “Limited” or the abbreviation “LTD”. However, the applicant may make an application to dispense with the word “limited”.

Public Limited Company

Its articles allow its members the right to transfer their shares in the company and its articles do not prohibit invitations to the public to subscribe for shares or debentures of the company. The name must end with the expression “Public Limited Company” or the abbreviation “PLC”.

Company Limited By Guarantee

It’s an alternative type of corporation used mainly for non-profit organizations that require legal personality. Directors and members undergo vetting before the company is registered.

Limited Liability Partnership

These are registered under the Limited Liability Partnerships Act, 2011. Limited liability partnerships commonly referred to as LLPs are unique forms of business association that combine elements of a company with those of a partnership. The name must end with the expression “Limited Liability Partnership” or the abbreviation “LLP”.

Foreign Company

This is an existing company that is registered to do business in a state or jurisdiction other than where it was originally incorporated.

Steps on How to Register a Limited Company in Kenya

The procedure below is for the registration of a limited company in Kenya. The other registrations will be more or less the same.

Log into your eCitizen account and click on the Business Registration Service link.
Under “My Businesses Option”, click on make application.
Start filling the five required stages.

Stage One of Company Registration – Proposed Names

This is where you provide the company name you wish to register. You can provide up to five names but the minimum is three. Start with the name with the highest priority. The first available name will automatically be assigned to the company. Click save and continue.

Stage Two of Company Registration – Articles of Association

In this stage, you will state your capacity, address, and postal code. Indicate if you will use the provided model of articles of association, if you will adopt some of them, or if you have prepared your own. Here you can simply adopt the ones provided.

Indicate if the company is regulated or not. Provide nature and primary business activity. Give the accounting period end month, number of employees at start and estimated turnover.

Stage Three of Company Registration – Registered Office Address

This stage requires your business address. This is information like County, District, Locality, Name of the Building, Street, Postal Address, Mobile Number, and Email Address. Do not use any email registered on iTax.

Stage Four of Company Registration – Share Information

Indicate the share category, the number of shares and the value of each share. This is by using the add button provide.

Stage Five of Company Registration – Ownership Information

Add the company ownership information. This is information like Director, Director Shareholder, or Shareholder. Note that you can register a company as an individual.

If you are registering for a single person, use the option Director Shareholder. Previously, a company was registered with a minimum of two directors. Provide all the requested information. Attach a photo of the individual.

Stage Six of Company Registration – Beneficial Owners

Skip this step as the owner(s) have already been captured on stage five.

Stage Seven of Company Registration – Application Documents

You are almost there. Download the CR1, CR2, CR8, BO, and Statement of Nominal Capital forms. Print them, sign all the necessary areas, scan, and upload them in their respective areas.

Pay the Company Registration Fees

The final stage when you register a company in Kenya is to pay the registration fee. At the moment it is Kshs 10,750. Wait for the payment to go through which will take a day or two.

If there are any errors, you will be notified via the eCitizen portal. Make the necessary corrections. If no corrections, download and print your Company Registration Certificate.