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    Business Advisory 12 min read Updated September 2026

    How to Register a Company in Kenya: Complete 2026 Guide

    A comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough of the company registration process in Kenya — covering company types, name search, incorporation requirements, documents, costs, timelines, beneficial ownership, tax registration, annual returns, company secretary requirements, and post-incorporation compliance.

    What This Guide Covers

    Types of Companies in Kenya
    Step-by-Step Registration Process
    Registration Requirements & Documents
    Costs & Government Fees
    Registration Timeline
    Beneficial Ownership Requirements
    Tax Registration After Incorporation
    Company Secretary Requirements
    Compliance After Incorporation
    Frequently Asked Questions

    Registering a company in Kenya has become significantly more accessible with the eCitizen portal and the Business Registration Service (BRS). However, the process still involves multiple statutory steps, specific documentation, and ongoing compliance obligations that, if mishandled, can lead to penalties, delays, or even deregistration.

    This guide is designed for entrepreneurs, startup founders, and business owners who want a clear, authoritative walkthrough of how to register a company in Kenya in 2026 — from choosing the right company type to maintaining compliance long after incorporation. Whether you are registering a private limited company, an LLP, or a branch of a foreign company, this resource covers every stage of the journey.

    Choosing Your Structure

    Types of Companies You Can Register in Kenya

    The right company structure affects your liability, tax obligations, ability to raise capital, and compliance requirements.

    Private Limited Company (LTD)

    Most Popular

    The most common structure for Kenyan SMEs. Separate legal entity, limited liability for shareholders, minimum one director and one shareholder. Ideal for businesses seeking growth, investment, or government tenders.

    Public Limited Company (PLC)

    Suitable for large enterprises intending to raise capital from the public through the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). Requires at least three directors and stricter governance and reporting obligations.

    Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

    Combines the flexibility of a partnership with limited liability protection. Popular among professional service firms such as accountants, lawyers, and consultants.

    Sole Proprietorship

    The simplest business structure with no separate legal identity. The owner bears unlimited personal liability. Quick to register via eCitizen but not recommended for scaling businesses.

    Partnership

    An association of 2–20 people carrying on business together with shared profits and unlimited liability. Governed by the Partnership Act.

    Branch of a Foreign Company

    Allows an overseas company to operate in Kenya without incorporating a new local entity. Requires registration with the Business Registration Service and a local representative.

    Not sure which structure fits your business? Our team at Richard Hassan & Associates can advise on the most suitable entity type based on your goals, ownership structure, and growth plans. Explore our Business Startup Advisory services →

    The Registration Journey

    Step-by-Step Company Registration Process in Kenya

    Follow these nine stages to register your company correctly from start to finish.

    Step 1

    Name Search and Reservation

    Submit up to three proposed company names through the eCitizen portal. The Business Registration Service (BRS) checks availability against existing registrations and reserves an approved name for 30 days. Cost: KES 150 per name search.

    Step 2

    Prepare Incorporation Documents

    Draft and sign the required statutory forms: Statement of Nominal Capital (CR2), Registered Office Address (CR8), particulars of directors and shareholders, and the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

    Step 3

    Submit to the Business Registration Service

    File all incorporation documents through the eCitizen portal. Processing typically takes 7–14 working days. Government fees vary by company type and nominal share capital.

    Step 4

    Receive Certificate of Incorporation

    Once approved, BRS issues the Certificate of Incorporation — the legal proof that your company exists as a registered entity in Kenya. This is required for opening bank accounts and conducting business.

    Step 5

    Obtain a KRA PIN for the Company

    Apply for a company KRA PIN through the iTax portal. This is mandatory for all registered businesses and is required for tax registration, bank account opening, and statutory compliance.

    Step 6

    Register for Tax Obligations

    Depending on your business activities, register for VAT (mandatory if annual turnover exceeds KES 5 million), PAYE (if you have employees), and Withholding Tax on the iTax portal.

    Step 7

    Apply for County Business Permit

    Obtain a Single Business Permit from the county government where your business operates. Costs vary by county, business type, and premises size.

    Step 8

    Statutory Registrations (NSSF, SHIF, Housing Levy)

    If you have employees, register with NSSF, SHIF (which replaced NHIF), and the Affordable Housing Levy. These are monthly statutory obligations filed by the 9th of each month.

    Step 9

    Open a Corporate Bank Account

    Most Kenyan banks require the Certificate of Incorporation, KRA PIN certificate, CR12 (list of directors), board resolution, and director identification documents to open a corporate account.

    What You Need

    Company Registration Requirements & Documents

    Prepare these documents before starting the registration process to avoid delays.

    Proposed company name(s) for search and reservation
    Copies of national ID cards or passports for all directors and shareholders
    KRA PIN certificates for all directors and shareholders
    Passport-size photographs of each director and shareholder
    Registered office physical address in Kenya (CR8 form)
    Details of the company secretary (mandatory for limited companies)
    Nominal share capital and allocation of shares among shareholders
    Memorandum and Articles of Association signed by subscribers
    Statement of Nominal Capital (CR2) and filing fees
    Beneficial ownership information (under the Companies Act amendments)
    Budgeting

    How Much Does It Cost to Register a Company in Kenya?

    Government fees and associated costs for company registration in Kenya. Fees are indicative and subject to change.

    ItemIndicative Cost
    Name Search & ReservationKES 150 per name
    Private Limited Company Incorporation (incl. govt fees)KES 10,000 – 15,000
    Public Limited Company IncorporationKES 20,000+
    Limited Liability Partnership RegistrationKES 10,000 – 12,000
    Sole Proprietorship / Business Name RegistrationKES 1,000 – 1,500
    Branch of Foreign Company RegistrationKES 25,000+
    KRA PIN RegistrationFree
    County Single Business PermitKES 2,000 – 15,000 (varies by county)
    Company Secretary (annual retainer)KES 18,000 – 60,000+

    Note: Government fees are set by the Business Registration Service and county governments and may be revised. Professional service fees are separate. Contact Richard Hassan & Associates for a tailored quote.

    Timeframes

    Company Registration Timeline in Kenya

    How long each stage of the registration process typically takes.

    StageTypical Duration
    Name Search & Reservation1–3 days
    Document Preparation1–2 days
    BRS Incorporation Processing7–14 days
    KRA PIN Registration1–3 days
    Tax Obligation Registration (VAT, PAYE)3–7 days
    County Business Permit3–10 days
    Bank Account Opening5–10 days
    Total Estimated Time3–6 weeks
    Legal Compliance

    Beneficial Ownership Requirements in Kenya

    Kenya's beneficial ownership framework is a critical compliance requirement that every registered company must follow.

    Every company must maintain a register of beneficial owners — individuals who ultimately own or control at least 10% of the company's shares or voting rights.

    Beneficial ownership details must be filed with the Business Registration Service through the eCitizen portal.

    Information required includes full name, ID/passport number, nationality, residential address, and the nature of ownership or control.

    Companies must update beneficial ownership records within 14 days of any change.

    Non-compliance attracts penalties under the Companies Act and may affect your ability to obtain a Tax Compliance Certificate.

    After Incorporation

    Tax Registration After Company Incorporation

    Once your company is incorporated, the next critical step is registering for the correct tax obligations with KRA.

    KRA PIN Registration

    Every registered company must obtain a KRA PIN through the iTax portal. This is mandatory for opening bank accounts, filing taxes, and conducting any formal business in Kenya. Directors must already have individual KRA PINs before the company can register.

    VAT Registration

    VAT registration is mandatory for businesses with annual taxable turnover exceeding KES 5 million. VAT returns are filed monthly on iTax by the 20th of each month. Voluntary registration is available for businesses below the threshold that wish to claim input VAT. Learn about our VAT services →

    PAYE Registration

    If your company has employees, you must register for PAYE and deduct income tax from salaries. PAYE returns, along with NSSF, SHIF, and Housing Levy, are due by the 9th of each month. Learn about our PAYE services →

    Withholding Tax (WHT)

    Companies making payments for consultancy, rent, dividends, management fees, and other specified services must withhold tax and remit it to KRA. WHT certificates must be issued to recipients.

    Statutory Requirement

    Company Secretary Requirements in Kenya

    Every limited company in Kenya must appoint a qualified company secretary — it is a legal obligation, not an optional service.

    Under the Companies Act, 2015, every limited company in Kenya must appoint a qualified company secretary within 30 days of incorporation. The secretary must be a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) or the Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya (ICPSK).

    Maintaining statutory registers and minute books
    Filing annual returns with the Business Registration Service
    Ensuring compliance with the Companies Act
    Advising the board on governance and statutory obligations
    Managing board meetings, resolutions, and AGMs
    Ongoing Obligations

    Compliance After Incorporation

    Registration is just the beginning. These ongoing obligations keep your company legally compliant and in good standing.

    Annual Returns

    Every registered company must file annual returns with the BRS within 30 days of the anniversary of incorporation. This keeps the company's records current and avoids deregistration.

    Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC)

    A valid TCC is required for government tenders, license renewals, and many major business transactions. It confirms the company is up to date with all KRA obligations.

    Statutory Tax Filings

    Monthly PAYE, NSSF, SHIF, and Housing Levy (due 9th), VAT returns (due 20th), and annual corporate income tax (IT2C) must be filed on time to avoid penalties.

    Company Secretary

    Every limited company must appoint a qualified company secretary within 30 days of incorporation. The secretary maintains statutory registers and files annual returns.

    Board Meetings & Resolutions

    Companies must hold annual general meetings (AGMs) and maintain minutes of board meetings and key resolutions in the statutory registers.

    Audited Financial Statements

    Companies with annual turnover above KES 10 million require audited financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS and filed with KRA alongside tax returns.

    Common Questions

    Company Registration in Kenya — FAQs

    Direct answers to the most common questions about registering a company in Kenya.

    Ready to Register Your Company in Kenya?

    Let Richard Hassan & Associates handle your company registration, tax setup, and ongoing compliance — so you can focus on building your business.

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