Business Registration Guide: How to register a company in Kenya 2026
This guide takes you through the steps of business registration via the business registration service.
Starting a business in Kenya isn’t just about a bright idea — it’s about structuring it properly and making it official. That’s where the Business Registration Service (BRS) comes in. BRS is the government department under the Office of the Attorney General responsible for registering companies in Kenya through the eCitizen portal.
This guide walks you through what BRS does, the types of company structures in Kenya, and the exact business registration process online.
Table of Contents
Business Structures in Kenya
Before touching eCitizen, decide which structure best fits your goals. Kenya offers several:
Owned by one individual. Simple, quick to set up, but the owner bears all liabilities. Ideal for small-scale or entry-level businesses.
Owned by two or more individuals. Profits and liabilities are shared. Works well for professional firms such as lawyers, doctors, and consultants.
A separate legal entity from its owners, protecting personal assets from company debts. This is the most popular option for entrepreneurs because of flexibility and liability protection.
An extension of a foreign company operating in Kenya. It allows foreign companies to conduct business locally without creating a separate legal entity.
👉 Tip: For most entrepreneurs, an LLC is the sweet spot — it keeps personal risk low while giving your company credibility.
Step By Step Process of Registering a Business
The entire registration is done on eCitizen. If you don’t already have an account:
- Go to the eCitizen portal.
- Click “Create an Account.”
- Select your category:
- Kenyan Citizen – requires a National ID.
- Foreign Resident – requires a work permit.
- Foreign National – for investors outside Kenya.
- Enter your details (ID number, email, phone).
- Verify your email and phone.
- Set a password and log in.
Now you’re ready to access BRS (Business Registration Service) inside eCitizen.
BRS has streamlined the process — you no longer need to do a separate name search. Instead, you propose names as part of registration.
How It Works:
- Submit up to 3 proposed company names in your application.
- The Registrar reviews them and approves one (if available).
- If none are available, you’ll be asked to resubmit.
Required Documents:
- Proposed company names (3 options).
- Memorandum & Articles of Association (MOA & AOA).
- CR1, CR2, CR8 forms.
- List of directors & shareholders (CR12).
- Directors’ ID cards or passports & photos.
- KRA PINs of directors.
- Company physical & postal address.
Steps:
- Log in to eCitizen → Business Registration Service (BRS).
- Enter your 3 proposed company names.
- Fill in CR1, CR2, and CR8 forms.
- Upload required documents.
- Pay the registration fee (~Ksh 10,650).
- Submit your application.
📌 Processing usually takes 3–5 working days.
Once approved, you’ll receive the following via your eCitizen account:
- Certificate of Incorporation – proof your business exists legally.
- CR12 Form – shows directors and shareholders.
- Company KRA PIN – for tax compliance.
- NSSF Employer Number – for pension contributions.
- NHIF Employer Number – for health insurance compliance.
These documents give your company full legal standing in Kenya.
After incorporation, don’t forget to:
- Open a company bank account.
- Register with county offices for business permits.
- Keep proper tax records (KRA compliance).
- Set up NSSF & NHIF contributions if you plan to employ staff.
✅ In summary: BRS, through eCitizen, has simplified business registration into a fully online process. Choose your structure, create an eCitizen account, submit your documents and names, pay the fee, and wait a few days for your incorporation documents.
