Change of Company Name in Kenya (2026 Guide)

Q: Can I change my business name in Kenya?

Yes. You can change a registered business name in Kenya. However, the process for changing a business name is different from the Change of Company Name in Kenya process for limited companies, as each business structure is governed by different registration procedures.

Q: How much does it cost to change a company name in Kenya?

The current government filing fee for a Change of Company Name in Kenya is KES 4,050, payable through eCitizen. If you engage a company secretarial firm such as M&A Registrars, additional professional fees may apply depending on the scope of the service.

Q: Can I change my company name after receiving a Name Reservation Certificate?

No. Once the Registrar approves your proposed name and issues a Name Reservation Certificate, you cannot change that reserved name while the incorporation process is still ongoing. You'll need to complete the company registration first before applying for a Change of Company Name in Kenya.

Q: Will changing my company name affect my KRA PIN or Company Registration Number?

No. Changing your company's name does not create a new company. Your KRA PIN, Company Registration Number, assets, liabilities, and legal obligations remain the same. Only the registered company name changes.

Q: Do I need shareholder approval to change my company's name?

Yes. Before applying for a Change of Company Name in Kenya, the company must pass the appropriate resolution approving the name change. The details of the resolution are submitted during the application process, and the system will generate Forms CR15 and CR19 for execution and filing.

July 22, 2026

Estimated Read time: 3 Mins

Table of Contents

Introduction
Key Takeaways
Can I Really Change My Company’s Name in Kenya?
Why Would You Want to Change Your Company’s Name?
Can the Registrar Require You to Change Your Company’s Name?
Can I Change My Company Name During Company Registration?
What is a Name Reservation Certificate?
What Are the Requirements for Changing a Company Name in Kenya?
Step-by-Step Process for Changing a Company Name Using eCitizen
What Happens After Your Company Name Is Approved?
How Long Does a Company Name Change Take?
How Much Does It Cost to Change a Company Name?
Recommended Articles
FAQs on Change of Company Name in Kenya
Need Help Changing Your Company Name in Kenya?

Introduction

Change of Company Name in Kenya is one of the most common company secretarial services sought by business owners.

Whether you are rebranding, changing ownership, expanding into new markets, or simply feel that your current company name no longer represents your business, Kenyan law allows you to change it after your company has been incorporated.

The good news is that the Change of Company Name in Kenya process can be completed online through the Business Registration Service (BRS) on eCitizen.

However, there are a few legal requirements and steps you need to follow before the Registrar of Companies can approve your application.

In this simple guide by M&A Registrars, you’ll learn how to change your company name in Kenya, the documents you’ll need, the government fees, the expected timelines, and what happens after your application is approved.

Let’s get started!

Need help changing your company name in Kenya?

M&A Registrars can help you prepare the required documents, complete the eCitizen application, and obtain your Certificate of Change of Name.

Book a Free Consultation with M&A Registrars Today WhatsApp

Key Takeaways

You can legally change your company’s name in Kenya after incorporation.
The application is submitted online through the Business Registration Service (BRS) on eCitizen.
The current government filing fee is KES 4,050.
The Registrar will require Forms CR15 and CR19, which are generated automatically by the system.
The process generally takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the Registrar’s workload.
Once approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Change of Name

Can I Really Change My Company's Name in Kenya?

Yes.

Under the Companies Act, 2015, you can change your company’s registered name after incorporation.

Changing your company’s name does not create a new company. Your company remains the same legal entity.

Only the company’s name changes.

Your:

Company Registration Number
Certificate of Incorporation history
KRA PIN
Assets
Liabilities
Existing contracts

remain attached to the same company unless separate changes are made.

If you’re simply looking to give your business a new identity, changing your company’s name is usually all you need.

Why Would You Want a Change of Company Name in Kenya?

There are many reasons why you may decide to change your company’s name in Kenya.

Some of the most common reasons include:

You are rebranding your business.
Your company has changed ownership.
You have merged with another business.
Your current name no longer reflects what your company does.
You want a shorter or more memorable business name.
You are expanding into new markets.
Your marketing strategy has changed.
The Registrar has directed your company to adopt a different name.

No matter the reason, the process is largely the same.

Can the Registrar Require You to Change Your Company's Name?

Yes – but this usually happens before your company has been incorporated.

When you submit your proposed company names during the incorporation process, the Registrar of Companies reviews them to ensure they comply with the Companies Act, 2015 and the Business Registration Service (BRS) naming guidelines.

Your proposed name may be rejected if it:

Is too similar to the name of an existing registered company.
Is misleading or likely to confuse the public.
Suggests a connection with the Government or a public authority without the necessary approval.
Contains prohibited, offensive, or inappropriate words.
Gives a false impression about the nature of your business.

If your first-choice name is rejected, the Registrar will review the next name on your list.

This is why the Business Registration Service (BRS) requires you to submit at least three proposed names in order of preference when applying to register your company.

If none of your proposed names are approved, you’ll be asked to submit new names for review before your company can be incorporated.

Can I Change My Company Name During Company Registration?

Yes—but it depends on where you are in the company registration process.

If you haven’t submitted your incorporation application yet, changing your proposed company names is easy.

However, once the Registrar has approved a name and issued a Name Reservation Certificate, the rules change.

Stage of Company Registration	Can You Change the Company Name?
Before submitting your incorporation application	Yes When registering your company, the Business Registration Service (BRS) allows you to enter at least three proposed names in order of preference. Before you submit the application for review, you can freely edit, remove, or replace any of the proposed names.
After the Name Reservation Certificate has been issued (before incorporation)	No Once the Registrar approves one of your proposed names and issues a Name Reservation Certificate, you cannot change that reserved name while the incorporation application is still being processed. You must first complete the company registration process. If you later decide to use a different name, you’ll need to apply for a Change of Company Name in Kenya after the company has been successfully incorporated.

Important:

This is one of the most common misconceptions among first-time business owners.
A Name Reservation Certificate only reserves your approved company name—it does not allow you to swap it for another name during the incorporation process.

What is a Name Reservation Certificate?

A Name Reservation Certificate is an official document issued by the Registrar of Companies confirming that your proposed company name has been approved and reserved for you.

The certificate protects your chosen name from being registered by someone else during the reservation period.

Once the certificate has been issued, the reserved name becomes part of your ongoing incorporation application.

It cannot simply be swapped with another name while the incorporation is still under review.

Not sure what you need to change your company name in Kenya?

M&A Registrars can help you prepare the required resolutions, complete the statutory forms, and manage the entire application process.

Book a Free Consultation with M&A Registrars Today WhatsApp

What Are the Requirements for Change of Company Name in Kenya?

Before you apply for a Change of Company Name in Kenya, ensure you have the following:

Requirement	Purpose
A Registered Company	Your company must already be incorporated. You cannot apply for a change of name while the company registration process is still underway.
An eCitizen Account	The application is submitted online through the *Business Registration Service (BRS**) on the eCitizen** portal.*
Three Proposed Company Names	You’ll be required to provide your preferred names in order of priority. If your first choice is unavailable or rejected, the Registrar will review the next option.
A Company Resolution	The directors and/or shareholders must approve the proposed change of name in accordance with the Companies Act, 2015. You’ll be required to provide the details of this resolution during the application.
Government filing fee	You’ll need to pay the prescribed government fee of KES 4,050* through eCitizen before the application can be processed.*
Forms CR15 and CR19	These forms are automatically generated by the BRS* system after you enter the details of the company resolution.* They must be downloaded, signed, scanned, and uploaded before the application is submitted for approval

Tip:

Before you begin the application, have your proposed company names and company resolution ready.
This will help you complete the process more quickly and reduce the chances of delays.

Step-by-Step Process for Change of Company Name in Kenya Using eCitizen

Once you have all the required documents, you can apply for a Change of Company Name in Kenya through the Business Registration Service (BRS) on the eCitizen portal.

Step	What You Need to Do
Step 1: Log in to eCitizen and Select Your Company	Sign in to your eCitizen* account, open the Business Registration Service (BRS), go to My Businesses, and select the company whose name you want to change.*
Step 2: Start the Change of Name Application	Click Maintain Company, select Change of Name, enter your proposed company names in order of priority, pay the government filing fee of KES 4,050, and submit the application for name review.
Step 3: Wait for Name Approval	The Registrar* will review your proposed names.* If any corrections or additional information are required, you’ll receive a notification through eCitizen* and SMS.*
Step 4: Complete the Company Resolution	Once your preferred name has been approved, reopen the application, enter the details of the company resolution approving the name change, and select one or more directors to authenticate the resolution.
Step 5: Download, Sign, and Upload CR15 and CR19	The system will automatically generate Form CR15 and Form CR19. Download the forms, have them signed, scan them, and upload the signed copies to your application.
Step 6: Submit the Application for Final Approval	Review your application, ensure all supporting documents have been uploaded, and submit it to the Registrar of Companies for final review.
Step 7: Download Your Certificate of Change of Name	Once the application is approved, download your Certificate of Change of Name from eCitizen. Your company can now legally operate under its new registered name.

Tip:

Before starting the application, have your preferred company names and company resolution ready.
This will help you complete the process more quickly and reduce the chances of delays.

What Happens After Your Company Name is Approved?

Once the Registrar of Companies approves your application for a Change of Company Name in Kenya, your company will officially begin operating under its new registered name.

Here’s what happens next:

The Registrar Will:

Update your company’s records in the Business Registration Service (BRS).
Issue a Certificate of Change of Name, confirming your new registered company name.
Publish the change of name in the Kenya Gazette.

Important:

Changing your company’s name does not create a new company.
Your company registration number, KRA PIN, assets, liabilities, contracts, and legal obligations remain the same. Only the registered name changes.

What Should You Do Next?

After receiving your Certificate of Change of Name, you should update your new company name wherever it appears to ensure your records remain accurate and consistent.

This may include updating your:

KRA records
Bank accounts
Business licences and permits
Customer and supplier records
Existing contracts and agreements
Company letterheads and official documents
Company website
Email signatures
Social media pages
Marketing and branding materials

Keeping your records up to date helps prevent confusion and ensures customers, suppliers, financial institutions, and government agencies recognise your company under its new name.

How Long Does Change of Company Name in Kenya Take?

In most cases, a Change of Company Name in Kenya takes between 2 and 4 weeks from the date you submit a complete application through the Business Registration Service (BRS) on eCitizen.

The exact timeline depends on:

Whether your proposed name is approved.
Whether additional documents are requested.
The Registrar’s workload.
How quickly you respond to any corrections.

How Much Does Change of Company Name in Kenya Cost?

The cost of a Change of Company Name in Kenya consists of the mandatory government filing fee and, where applicable, professional fees if you choose to engage a company secretarial service provider.

Cost	Amount
Government Filing Fee	*KES 4,050* (payable through eCitizen).
Professional Fees	Vary depending on your service provider and the complexity of your application.

If you engage a company secretarial firm such as M&A Registrars, professional fees may apply for preparing the required company resolutions, completing and filing the application, following up with the Registrar of Companies, and obtaining your Certificate of Change of Name.

Need Help Changing Your Company Name?

Let M&A Registrars handle the entire process for you—from preparing the required documents to filing your application and obtaining your Certificate of Change of Name
Reach out to us today to book a free consultation, and we’ll help you change your company name quickly and compliantly.

FAQs on Change of Company Name in Kenya

1. Can I change my business name in Kenya?

Yes
You can change a registered business name in Kenya. However, the process for changing a business name is different from the Change of Company Name in Kenya process for limited companies, as each business structure is governed by different registration procedures.

2. How many days does it take to change the name of my company in Kenya?

In most cases, a Change of Company Name in Kenya takes 2 to 4 weeks.
The exact timeline depends on factors such as name approval, the completeness of your application, and the Registrar of Companies’ workload.

3. How do I change the name of an existing company in Kenya?

To change the name of an existing company, log into your eCitizen account, access the Business Registration Service (BRS), select your company, choose Maintain Company, click Change of Name, submit your preferred company names, pay the government filing fee, complete the required forms (CR15 and CR19), and submit the application for approval.

4. How much does it cost to change a company name in Kenya?

The current government filing fee for a Change of Company Name in Kenya is KES 4,050, payable through eCitizen.
If you engage a company secretarial firm such as M&A Registrars, additional professional fees may apply depending on the scope of the service.

5. Can I change my company name after receiving a Name Reservation Certificate?

No
Once the Registrar approves your proposed name and issues a Name Reservation Certificate, you cannot change that reserved name while the incorporation process is still ongoing. You’ll need to complete the company registration first before applying for a Change of Company Name in Kenya.

6. Will changing my company name affect my KRA PIN or Company Registration Number?

No
Changing your company’s name does not create a new company. Your KRA PIN, Company Registration Number, assets, liabilities, and legal obligations remain the same. Only the registered company name changes.

7. Do I need shareholder approval to change my company’s name?

Yes
Before applying for a Change of Company Name in Kenya, the company must pass the appropriate resolution approving the name change. The details of the resolution are submitted during the application process, and the system will generate Forms CR15 and CR19 for execution and filing.

Need Help Changing Your Company Name in Kenya?

Changing your company’s name doesn’t have to be complicated.

At M&A Registrars, we can handle the entire process on your behalf—from preparing the required company resolutions and statutory forms to filing the application through eCitizen and obtaining your Certificate of Change of Name.

Book a free consultation with our team today, and let us help you change your company name quickly, accurately, and in full compliance with the Companies Act, 2015.

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