Susan Maina is a Corporate Compliance Writer and Legal Researcher at M&A Registrars, a leading company secretarial and legal advisory firm. She specializes in developing clear, insightful content on Company Law, Corporate Governance, Regulatory Compliance, and Business Registration Services.
LinkedIn >>Table of Contents
1. Introduction – Why Registering Your Company Matters in Kenya
2. Key Takeways
3. Key Documents Required to Register a Company in Kenya
4. How to Register a Company in Kenya via eCitizen – Step-by-Step
5. How to Reserve a Business Name in Kenya (eCitizen)
6. Post-Registration Steps: What to Do After Incorporation
7. Taxpayer Registration: How to Get a KRA PIN for Your Business
8. Cost of Registering a Company in Kenya (Updated 2025)
9. Company Registration for Foreigners in Kenya
10. Do You Need a Lawyer to Register a Company in Kenya?
11. Online Forms Used When Registering a Company in Kenya
12. FAQs on Registering a Company in Kenya
13. Next Steps, Talk to M&A Registrars
14. Disclaimer
Starting a business in Kenya? You’re in the right place.
Registering your company through eCitizen is not only quick and affordable – it’s the official way to legitimize your business in Kenya.
Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur, launching a side hustle, or a foreign investor entering the Nairobi market, understanding this process is key.
If you’re wondering how to register a company in Kenya via eCitizen in 2025, this comprehensive guide by M&A Registrars walks you through each step of the process – from documents to name reservation, KRA PIN setup, post-incorporation steps, and more.
Let’s get started!
Learn how to register a company in Kenya via eCitizen from start to finish.
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
|
Proposed Company Name
|
At least 3 preferred names for name reservation
|
|
Identification Documents
|
National ID or Passport for all directors/shareholders
|
|
Passport Photos
|
Recent digital passport-size photos
|
|
Residential Address
|
For all directors and shareholders
|
|
CR1 Form
|
Application for company registration
|
|
CR8 Form
|
Notice of Residential Address
|
|
Statement of Nominal Capital
|
For capital declaration
|
Here’s how registering a company in Kenya with M&A Registrars via eCitizen works:
1. Create an eCitizen account:
2. Access the Business Registration Service (BRS) portal.
3. Reserve your company name:
4. Fill in the registration forms (CR1, CR2, CR8):
5. Pay the registration fee:
6. Download your Certificate of Incorporation:
M&A Registrars can assist with every step – especially if you’re based in Nairobi or registering remotely as a foreigner.
Before you register a company in Kenya via eCitizen, the first step is to conduct a name search. Once that is done, proceed with the following steps:
Tip: Choose a name that is unique and not too close to existing companies.
M&A Registrars offers a free consultation to help with business name ideas.
After you register a company in Kenya via eCitizen, there are several post-registration compliance steps you must follow:
Here’s how to get a KRA PIN for your company:
Based in Nairobi? M&A Registrars can register your KRA PIN for you within 24 hours.
| Item | Estimated Cost (KES) |
|---|---|
|
Name Reservation
|
Ksh 150
|
|
Registration Fee
|
Ksh 10,000
|
|
Stamp Duty (if applicable)
|
Variable
|
|
Nominal Capital
|
From Ksh 100,000
|
|
Professional Fees (optional)
|
Ksh 2,000 – Ksh 10,000
|
Yes, foreigners can register a company in Kenya through eCitizen – and M&A Registrars helps smooth the process.
You’ll need:
We help foreign investors navigate these extra steps with ease.
Not really. eCitizen is user-friendly. But having an expert like M&A Registrars can:
| Type of Company Registration Form | Description |
|---|---|
|
Form CR1
|
Application for registration, company name, office address, liability type, company type, and director/secretary consent.
|
|
Form CR2
|
Model Memorandum for a company with share capital; includes shareholders and their shareholding.
|
|
Form CR8
|
Notice of residential address of director or change of address.
|
|
Form CR10
|
Appointment of secretary (only applicable for companies with over KES 5 million in share capital).
|
|
Statement of Nominal Share Capital
|
Indicates nominal share capital, class of shares, and value per share.
|
|
Form BOF1
|
Register of beneficial owners including their details, percentage ownership, and data source.
|
The CR1 form also serves as a consolidated application Form for KRA PIN, SHIF, and NSSF registration.
All these forms are submitted during the process of registering a company in Kenya via eCitizen.
1. How much does it cost to register a company in Kenya via Ecitizen?
2. How long does it take to register a company in Kenya via eCitizen?
3. How do I check if my company is registered in Kenya?
4. What are the types of company registration in Kenya?
5. How do I conduct a name search in Kenya?
6. Is physical presence required to register a company in Kenya?
7. Can foreigners register a company via eCitizen in Kenya?
8. What documents do I need to register a company via eCitizen in Kenya?
Everything you need to register your business on eCitizen
✔️ Know the documents required
✔️ Understand the cost breakdown
✔️ Avoid common delays
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With this guide, you now understand how to register a company in Kenya via eCitizen, what forms are needed, and the customized support M&A Registrars offers.
Starting a business in Nairobi or anywhere in Kenya?
M&A Registrars is here to guide you through every step – from name search to incorporation, tax registration, and compliance.
We’re a trusted business registration firm based in Nairobi, and we’ve helped hundreds of entrepreneurs launch confidently and legally.
Contact M&A Registrars today for fast, professional company registration services in Kenya.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice.
Company registration laws may change, so consult a qualified advisor or Contact M&A Registrars for up-to-date, personalized assistance.
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