How to register a business in Kenya; A Step by Step Guide.

Many of us come online to find out how to register a business in Kenya, because either you want some side hustle or you are tied getting to your 8.00am to 5.00pm job.

Personally, I am almost getting to that point.

 Today, registering a business in Kenya is very easy firstly due to the availability of the internet and second, the use of the eCitizen portal.

The eCitizen portal allows individuals to actually register your business online, from the name such to getting your business name.

Think it difficulty, we will show you how simple it is. You are no longer required to do this manually as it were before. All business registration today are done online.

How to register a business in Kenya

If you follow these steps, you will have your business registered in no time

The first thing you want to do is to do a business name search. This is how to go about it.

Business Name Search

1. Log into your eCitizen account (If you do not have an account, you can go here to sign up). If you are signing up, you will be sent a confirmation email, which you need to go to confirm. It is important at the time of registration to keep an eye on your email account.
2. Once logged in, the page opens and you should be able to see several services offered by the government. From the various options, located and click on the ‘Business Registration Service’ button.
3. If successful, you will be redirected to a page that will prompt you to begin your business registration process.
4. Next, enter your preferred name and any other information required.
5. At this point, a prompt will come up asking you to pay Ksh150.00 for the name search. Please do so easily via Mpesa No. 206206, the account number will be sent to you.
6. After payment and entering your preferred business name, you will have to wait for about two days for feedback. You can come and check later.
7. After two days and your business name is approved, to can now proceed to register your business.

What you need to register a business in Kenya

As you wait for the business name approval, you can prepare the following documents that are vital for the process.

1. A statement of capital.
2. Memorandum and article of association.
3. Shareholders Details( These include copies of National Identify card/ Kenyan Passport, KRA PIN certificates, colored passport size pictures). It is advisable that you have these documents in soft copy, which you will be required to upload.
4. Company Registration fee of Ksh.10, 650.00.
5. Physical Addresses of all the directors.
6. A completed registration form Called CR1, which you have to download on the eCitizen portal.

The Business Registration Process

Once your business name has been approved and you are armed with the documents above, all you have to do it to continue with the registration process. It is as simple as filling in the required documents and uploading the required documents.

It is as simple as that.

It will take approximately two weeks for you to see results on your portal. It would be a good idea to keep an eye there. Once the registration is done, you can download the certificate for your use.

How to register partnerships or sole proprietorships

The registration here is as simple as;

1. You go to the Business Registration tab and click on the partnership or sole proprietorship tab.
2. Next, the page redirects to a form called BN2, which you will just need to fill with the required information.
3. You will now be required to upload some documents namely, KRA PIN, ID/Passport, and colored passport-sized photographs of the partners or sole proprietors.
4. Last, you will be required to pay Ksh.1000.00 processing fee.

Once done, just sit back and wait for a week. After a week, you can go to you portal and download your business certificate.

Wrapping It Up

Registering a business in Kenya is as simple as preparing the necessary documents, doing an online business name search, filling in the required information, and uploading the necessary documents.

This can be done in the comfort of your home or office on the eCitizen platform. You can also register a business (company) in Kenya as an individual. All you have to do is to introduce yourself as both the director and shareholder.

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