Requirements For Business Registration In Kenya
What is Business Registration? Business registration means sending in an application with information about the business. For example, a corporation registers with a state by completing Articles of Incorporation.
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Below are the Requirements For Business Registration In Kenya
Kenya’s Business Registering Service has made company registration in Kenya easy for locals via the eCitizen portal. The platform allows individuals to carry out the entire process from name search to actual registration at your convenience. Getting a business formalized is essential to benefit from certain corporate and government protection.
There are four business entity structures Kenyan individuals and groups typically look to register in the country. These companies are categorized as follows
1. Private Company limited by shares: This type of company has a share capital and the liability of each member is limited to the amount, if any, unpaid on their shares. A private company cannot offer its shares for sale to the public and may not have more than fifty (50) members.
2. Public limited company: A public company has share capital and limits the liability of each member to the amount unpaid on their shares. It may offer its shares for sale to the public and may be listed at the securities.
3. Companies limited by guarantee: This type of company does not have share capital and its members are guarantors rather than shareholders. The liability of members is limited to the amount they agree to contribute to the company’s assets if it is liquidated.
4. Unlimited liability companies: This type of company has no limit on the liability of its members.
Company Registration requirements in Kenya
Registration, and by extension incorporation of both private and public companies follow the same procedure in Kenya. The necessary requirements for registration are;
1. Proposed Company/Business name
The proposed business name search is conducted to ensure it is not similar to an existing registered business. If approved, it is reserved for 30 days. BRS requires a minimum of 3 names to be submitted.
2. Objectives of the Business
This is essentially the business that the company is being set up to carry out. This business must be entirely legal and not against public policy.
3. Names of the Directors, contact details and email
For transparency and accountability purposes, KRA requires that the director’s information be indicated on the application for registration.
4. Proof of Identification
A valid and unexpired proof of identification must be provided for each director. A national identity card suffices for Kenyan citizens
5. Passport Photo
A clear and recent passport photograph must be provided for each director and officer of the company.
6. KRA PIN
All directors whether resident or non-resident are required to provide a Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Personal Identification Number (PIN) certificate copy to prove registration with the tax authority.
In addition, the following forms must be signed by all directors and submitted during registration
7. Form CR1 – This is the company registration form.
8. Form CR2 – This is the Memorandum of company with share capital
9. Form CR8 – This is the notice of registered address form and
10. Statement of Nominal capital by all Directors.
E-Citizen Kenya
The Kenya Business Registration Services Act 2015 aims to ease the operation of businesses in the country. Company registration processes are now online and must be done on the E-Citizen platform. Payment is made via electronic means such as mobile money, credit, or debit cards.
What is required to register a business in Kenya?
The application must indicate the physical address of the business that is; plot number, Road and Town. Indicate the postal code, address and town to be used by the business.. Indicate the proprietor(s) details: the name(s) should be in full as per the ID Number and all details must be filled in.
How much does it cost to register a business name in Kenya?
| Service Offered | Fees | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Registration of Business name | Kshs 950 | 1 day |
| Limited Liability Partnership | Kshs 25000 | 1 day |
| Private Limited Company | Kshs 10650 | 3-5 days |
| Public Limited Company | Kshs 10650 | 3-5 days |
How do I get a business registration certificate in Kenya?
For File perusal follow these steps:
- Log in via ecitizen.go.ke on your browser.
- Click on Business Registration Service.
- Click on “Make application”
- Click on the option: “PERUSAL”
- Click on APPLY NOW to proceed.