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.
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
- 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.
