How to Register a Company in Kenya 2026 — Complete Guide
Updated April 2026 — HelaBora
Types of Business Structures in Kenya
Before registering, choose the right structure:
| Structure | Best For | Liability | Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sole Proprietorship | One-person businesses | Unlimited (personal) | KES 1,000 |
| Partnership | 2-20 partners | Unlimited (joint) | KES 2,000 |
| Private Limited Company (Ltd) | Growth businesses, investors | Limited to shares | KES 10,000-15,000 |
| LLP | Professional firms | Limited | KES 10,000 |
Most businesses should register as a Private Limited Company — it protects your personal assets, makes it easier to raise capital, and is required for many contracts and tenders.
How to Register a Company — Step by Step
Step 1: Reserve a Name (KES 150) - Go to the **Business Registration Service (BRS)** portal: brs.go.ke - Search for your desired company name to check availability - Reserve the name (valid for 30 days) - Cost: KES 150
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents You'll need: - **Memorandum and Articles of Association** (template available on BRS) - **National ID copies** of all directors - **KRA PIN certificates** of all directors - **Passport photos** of all directors - **Registered office address** (physical address in Kenya) - **Statement of share capital** (minimum KES 100,000 for Ltd)
Step 3: Register on eCitizen - Create an account on ecitizen.go.ke (if you don't have one) - Navigate to Business Registration Service - Fill in the company registration form (CR1) - Upload all required documents - Pay the registration fee (KES 10,650 for a private limited company)
Step 4: Receive Certificate of Incorporation - BRS reviews your application (3-7 working days) - If approved, you receive a Certificate of Incorporation - Your company registration number (PVT-XXXXX) is assigned
Step 5: Get a Company KRA PIN - After incorporation, apply for a company KRA PIN on itax.kra.go.ke - You need the Certificate of Incorporation - The company KRA PIN is separate from your personal PIN
Step 6: Register for eTIMS - All companies must register on etims.kra.go.ke - Use your company KRA PIN to register
Step 7: Open a Bank Account - Visit any bank with: - Certificate of Incorporation - Company KRA PIN certificate - Board resolution (authorising who can operate the account) - Directors' IDs and KRA PINs - CR12 (list of directors and shareholders from BRS)
After Registration — Licenses You May Need
| License | Who Needs It | Where to Apply | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Business Permit | All businesses | County Government | KES 5,000-50,000 |
| Tax Compliance Certificate | For tenders, contracts | KRA iTax | Free (if compliant) |
| NSSF Employer Registration | Hiring employees | selfservice.nssf.or.ke | Free |
| SHIF Employer Registration | Hiring employees | sha.go.ke | Free |
| NEMA License | Manufacturing, construction | nema.go.ke | Varies |
| Food Handling Certificate | Food businesses | County Health Dept | KES 500-2,000 |
Total Cost to Register a Company
| Item | Cost (KES) |
|---|---|
| Name reservation | 150 |
| Company registration (CR1) | 10,650 |
| Stamp duty (on share capital) | ~2,000 |
| Lawyer/agent (optional) | 5,000-20,000 |
| Company seal (optional) | 2,000 |
| Total (self-filed) | ~13,000 |
| Total (with agent) | ~25,000-35,000 |
Getting a CR12 (Company Details)
A CR12 is an official document from BRS listing a company's directors and shareholders. You need it for:
- -Opening bank accounts
- -Applying for tenders
- -KRA registrations
- -Business permits
How to get a CR12: 1. Log into BRS (brs.go.ke) 2. Navigate to your company 3. Request a CR12 4. Pay KES 600 5. Download the certified document
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to register a company in Kenya?
Self-filing costs approximately KES 13,000 (name reservation KES 150, registration KES 10,650, stamp duty ~KES 2,000). Using an agent costs KES 25,000-35,000 all-inclusive.
How long does company registration take in Kenya?
BRS typically processes applications within 3-7 working days. Name reservation is instant. The entire process from start to finish (including bank account) takes 2-3 weeks.
What is the minimum share capital for a company in Kenya?
The minimum nominal share capital for a private limited company is KES 100,000. However, you only need to pay up a portion — many companies start with KES 10,000 paid-up capital.