How to Register a Company in Kenya (2026): Cost, Time and the eCitizen Steps
A private limited company costs KSh 10,650 in government fees and is registered online through eCitizen. Here's the order of steps, what each director needs, how long it really takes and the mistakes that get applications rejected.
Registering a private limited company in Kenya is done fully online through the Business Registration Service (BRS) on eCitizen. The government fee is KSh 10,650 at the time of writing, plus a small eCitizen transaction charge. Most delays don't come from the system. They come from a rejected name, a mismatched ID number or a director who hasn't signed.
Business name or limited company?
A business name (sole proprietorship or partnership) is cheaper and faster, but you and the business are legally the same person: its debts are your debts. A limited company is a separate legal person. It can sign contracts, open accounts and bid for tenders in its own name, and your personal assets are protected. If you plan to hire, borrow, supply corporates or bring in a partner, register a company.
What you need before you start
- An eCitizen account (the person filing logs in with their own ID)
- Two or three proposed company names, in order of preference
- For every director and shareholder: national ID or passport, KRA PIN, phone number, email and a passport photo
- The registered office address, including the physical location and postal details
- How the shares will be split between shareholders
- Beneficial ownership details: who ultimately owns or controls the company
The steps on eCitizen
- Log in to eCitizen and open the Business Registration Service
- Search and reserve the company name. Avoid names that are too close to an existing company or that use restricted words like 'bank' or 'national'
- Choose 'Private Limited Company' and fill in the directors, shareholders, share capital and registered office
- Add the beneficial ownership information
- Download the generated forms, have every director and shareholder sign, then upload them
- Pay through eCitizen (M-Pesa or card)
- Track the application and download the Certificate of Incorporation and the CR12 once approved
How long does it take to register a company in Kenya?
When the name is clear and every document matches, many companies are approved within a few working days. Queries add time: a name that is too similar to another, a signature that doesn't match, or an ID number typed wrongly. Each query sends the application back to you. Check every director's details against their ID before you submit.
How much is required to register a company in Kenya?
- BRS registration fee: KSh 10,650 for a private limited company (confirm on the live invoice)
- eCitizen convenience charge: a small amount shown at checkout
- County business permit: separate, paid to your county once you start trading
- Professional help (optional): firms like ours charge for doing the filing, the KRA setup and the follow-up
What to do in the first month after registering
- Get the company's KRA PIN (it's issued with incorporation; check it on iTax)
- Register for eTIMS so you can issue tax-compliant invoices
- Open a business bank account using the certificate, the CR12 and the directors' documents
- Apply for your county business permit
- Apply for a Lipa na M-Pesa till or paybill in the company's name
- Diarise annual returns. The company must file them every year, even if it didn't trade
Can a foreigner register a company in Kenya?
Yes. Foreign directors and shareholders register with a passport instead of a national ID, and still need a KRA PIN. Some sectors have local-ownership rules, so check your industry first.
How many directors does a private company need?
At least one director. Companies with more than one director usually add a company secretary too, and companies above a certain share capital must appoint a qualified one.
Can I register a company online without going to Huduma?
Yes. The whole process, including payment and downloading the certificate, happens on eCitizen.
If you'd rather not fight the forms, we register companies end to end from KSh 10,000 plus government fees. That covers the name search, the filing, the KRA and eTIMS setup and the paperwork your bank will ask for.
Antony Mungai
Founder, Steff Cloud — building websites, systems and automation for Kenyan businesses from Nakuru.