Company Registration Services in Kenya (2026)

Company registration in Kenya: key facts

• Private Limited Company: Most common structure for investors (limited liability + credibility).
• Typical incorporation timeframe: 3–10 business days (documents complete).
• Operational readiness: 1–4 weeks including KRA PIN + banking (varies by bank/KYC).
• Government fees: Confirm on the portal / BRS fee schedule (entity and filings vary).

Official reference: BRS Fee Schedule – Companies Registry

Requirements for company registration in Kenya

The company registration requirements in Kenya depend on the entity type, but for a standard private limited company, you’ll mainly need: a unique name (via BRS on eCitizen), director/shareholder details, a Kenyan registered office address, and beneficial ownership (BO) disclosures (commonly 10%+). :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

1) Company name reservation (BRS eCitizen)

• Submit at least 3 preferred names (up to 5 is commonly allowed on the portal) for review and approval through the Business Registration Service (BRS) on eCitizen. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

2) Directors & shareholders details

Minimum of one director and one shareholder (they can be the same person). A director must be a natural person (18+). For each director/shareholder, prepare:

3) Foreign directors / shareholders (extra practical requirements)

• Passport copy and personal details for each foreign director/shareholder.
• KRA PIN is commonly required for filings and downstream compliance (plan for this early).
• A local physical + postal address for the company (Kenyan registered office) is required.

4) Registered office in Kenya

Provide a Kenyan registered office with enough detail to be verifiable (e.g., building/plot, street/road, town/city) plus a postal address. This is part of the baseline compliance footprint for companies.

5) Beneficial ownership (BO) information (10%+)

You must disclose beneficial owners—typically natural persons who, directly or indirectly: hold at least 10% of shares or 10% of voting rights, or who otherwise exercise significant control. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

6) Company secretary (when required)

• Public companies: must appoint a qualified company secretary.
• Private companies: generally required to appoint a company secretary if the company’s share capital is KES 5,000,000 or more. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

7) Foreign company (branch) note: local representative requirement

If you are registering a foreign company branch (not a Kenyan-incorporated subsidiary), the Companies Act framework requires the foreign company to have at least one local representative in Kenya for compliance purposes. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Required documents (common BRS Companies Registry forms)

• Form CR1: Application for registration
• Form CR2: Model Memorandum & Articles of Association
• Form CR8: Notice of residential address of directors
• Beneficial Ownership (BO) info: details of individuals meeting the BO threshold (commonly 10%+)

Types of business entities you can register in Kenya

• Private Limited Company (Ltd) — best for most SMEs and foreign investors.
• Public Company (PLC) — larger enterprises and public fundraising.
• Company Limited by Guarantee — common for non-profit structures.
• Foreign Company / Branch — extension of a foreign parent.
• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) — partnership flexibility with limited liability features.
• Business Name / Sole Proprietorship — simpler, but personal liability is not limited.

How to register a company in Kenya on eCitizen BRS (step-by-step)

Step 1 — Plan your structure and banking readiness

Decide ownership structure, directors/signatories, share capital, and prepare bank KYC evidence (proof of address, source of funds, certified IDs for foreign directors).

Step 2 — Name reservation and incorporation on BRS/eCitizen

Submit 2–3 name options on BRS/eCitizen and proceed with registration. Consider a basic trademark conflict check for brand protection.

Step 3 — Prepare and sign incorporation documents

• CR1 — Application for registration
• CR2 — Memorandum for companies with share capital
• CR8 — Directors’ addresses
• Beneficial ownership details (where applicable)
• Memorandum & Articles of Association

Step 4 — Submit the application and pay statutory fees

Upload signed documents, complete forms, and pay the applicable government fee. Approvals are faster when documents are consistent and scans are clear.

Step 5 — Receive outputs

After approval, you’ll receive the Certificate of Incorporation and registry extracts (e.g., CR12 where applicable) needed for KRA PIN and banking.

Official fees & practical budgeting

The current government cost of company registration is Kes 10,650. Reference the BRS fee schedule: BRS Fee Schedule – Companies Registry.

Documents checklist (incorporation + banking)

Incorporation checklist

• 2–3 proposed company names
• Director/shareholder IDs or passports + passport photos
• Shareholding structure and director details
• Registered office (physical + postal) address
• Signed incorporation forms (CR1/CR2/CR8 as applicable)
• Beneficial ownership details where required
• For corporate shareholders: parent company docs + ownership evidence (certified where needed)

Bank account opening (typical)

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Corporate KRA PIN
• CR12 / registry extract (where applicable)
• Memorandum & Articles of Association
• Board resolution authorizing account opening and signatories
• IDs/passports + proof of address for signatories (certified/notarised if needed)

Company Registration in Kenya for Foreign Investors

We support foreign founders with structure planning, beneficial ownership compliance, and a practical banking/KYC pack (certified passports, proof of address, source-of-funds narrative where needed).

• Ownership: foreigners can own 100% in most sectors (regulated sectors may have restrictions).
• Remote setup: we can register using eCitizen/BRS with scanned + certified documents.
• Banking: we prepare board resolution templates + signatory/KYC checklist to reduce delays.

KRA PIN registration (Corporate Tax ID) — iTax

A corporate KRA PIN is mandatory for lawful operation, tax compliance and corporate banking. Official reference: KRA PIN Registration (Companies/Partnerships).

Corporate bank account opening in Kenya

Typical bank onboarding is 3–10 working days, subject to AML/KYC checks and document completeness.

Post-registration compliance

• County business permit (annual renewal)
• NSSF registration (where applicable)
• SHA/NHIF compliance (where applicable)
• PAYE/VAT registrations where required
• Annual returns with BRS + tax filings with KRA
• Sector licences (imports/exports, construction, education, health, etc.)

Common pitfalls (and how we prevent delays)

FAQs

How much does it cost to register a company in Kenya?

The cost of company registration in Kenya is KES 1O,650. The fees depend on entity and filings—confirm on BRS/eCitizen. Our service packages start from KES 15,000 (service fee) plus statutory fees.

How long does company registration in Kenya take?

3–10 business days for incorporation with complete documents. Full readiness (PIN + banking) often takes 1–4 weeks depending on bank KYC.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Kenyan company?

Yes, in most sectors. Restrictions may apply in regulated industries.

What documents are needed to open a corporate bank account?

Typically: Certificate, corporate PIN, CR12/registry extract, Memorandum & Articles, board resolution, IDs/passports + proof of address.

Ready to Register Your Company?

Call: +254 700 176 096  |  Email: info@bieastafrica.com

Office: Kose Heights, Argwings Kodhek Road, Kilimani, Nairobi.

Service area: Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret and nationwide (remote onboarding supported).