How do I begin to register a company in Kenya? Stop thinking about it! Just do it.
Whether you are a Kenyan national, foreigner, or Kenyan leaving in the diaspora
Getting your business registered is the simplest thing you can imagine. By creating a platform called ecitizen, the government has made it simple for you to register your company.
This online portal allows you to register any kind of business you want and start transacting as soon as possible.
Here are the different types of Companies available for you to register under Kenyan law.
· A Sole Proprietorship Company
· Limited Companies by Shares or guarantee
· Subsidiary Companies (from a parent company)
· Representative Offices (Foreign Companies)
How do I register my business and what documents do I need? You’ll need the following documents to get the registration process started:
· Active Email address
· Phone Number
· Passport size photo
· Business Name
· Company Details
The above will help you create your ecitizen account, from where the rest of the process can be completed. Using the online portal you will be guided on the necessary forms to be filled and how they should be filled.
For example, you’re interested in running a Sole Proprietorship business this is the process of registration;
Step 1: Apply for a Business Name
By utilizing the ecitizen platform, you can conduct a business name search. The registrar of companies allows you to secure your business name and operate freely.
(Your business name search results will take 1-2 days to appear) my friend, please be patient here!
NOTE: It will cost you Ksh: 150 to preserve your proposed company names/name
Step 2: List of Documentation
To fill out the business name registration proof of identity information will be required.
· Full Names (As they appear on your National Identity Card)
· Age
· Gender
· Nationality
· Place of Residence
· Business name Suggestions (Make sure to use the successful business name earlier submitted)
· Nature of your business (Specify your niche of business, tourism, Real Estate or Transportation)
· Land Reference/Plot No.
· Street Name ( If ANY)
· Town Name
· Postal Address
Remember all this information is submitted under the government portal provided (ecitizen). Once this is completed and confirmed the next phase takes precedence
When registering for a limited business it is required to list the residential names of all directors’ nationality’s either native or foreign.
Stage 3: Company Registry
Still, in your ecitizen portal fill out the required forms and submit as directed. Attach the necessary documents in case of additional information.
You will be required to pay Ksh; 850 through the portal for the registration and verification process.
Stage 4: Certificate of Registration
If approved, you will receive your certificate of registry by email at the e-mail address you provided along with your proof of identity.
It’s done! Your company has been fully registered!
To register a limited company the same process will apply with increased documentation for verification.
Documents needed include:
· Company Registration Form (CR1, CR2, and CR8)
· Memorandum and Article of Association
· Notice of Residential Address of the directors
· Notice of Nominal Capital Share
· Stamp duty ( 1% of your company’s nominal capital will be charged)
· Cessation Form (If upgrading from sole proprietor to limited company)
Continuous improvement by the government to business registration bureaucracy has made it possible for one individual to open a limited company. This is according to the Company Act 2015.
Such a great milestone, enjoy your business venture in Kenya!
