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.
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If you are looking for a simple and clear guide on getting an updated CR12 in Kenya, you are in the right place.
In this article, you will learn exactly what an updated CR12 is, when you need it, what to prepare, and how to apply for it online — step by step.
This guide by M&A Registrars is written for you as a business owner, director, shareholder or administrator who just wants the job done quickly and correctly.
Table of Contents
An updated CR12 is an official company search document issued by the
Business Registration Service (BRS) through the Registrar of Companies.
It confirms your company’s latest and current details, including:
An updated CR12simply means your CR12 now reflects the new changes you have made to your company (for example, new shareholders or new directors).
M&A Registrars can guide you step by step to check your company records, confirm changes, and get your updated CR12 quickly and fully compliant.
Book a Free Consultation with M&A Registrars TodayWhatsAppYou need an updated CR12 in Kenya after any official change to your company, such as:
In short:
N/B:
Planning to transfer shares in your company? Our simple guide on the transfer of shares in Kenya explains the process step by step.
Before you apply, make sure the actual company changes have already been completed and filed.
Before you apply for an updated CR12 in Kenya:
a) If you transferred shares
You must first complete the entire share transfer process and have official proof showing the shares were successfully transferred.
b) If you changed directors
You must first complete the official director change process and obtain the confirmation documents showing the change was registered.
Your CR12 only reflects what is already on the registry.
You cannot update a CR12 if the underlying changes were not properly filed.
M&A Registrars can help you verify your shareholder and director updates, complete your application online, and ensure your CR12 reflects the latest legal status of your company.
Book a Free Consultation with M&A Registrars TodayWhatsAppYou apply online through the eCitizen portal.
Follow these steps exactly (you can match them with your screenshots):
Step 1: Log in to your eCitizen account
Use your normal login details.
Step 2: Go to the Agencies section and select BRS
Scroll down and click on Business Registration Service (BRS).
Step 3: Open your business dashboard
You will be taken to a page titled:“My Businesses”
Step 4: Click the “+” icon under Make Application
This allows you to start a new application.
Step 5: Select “Official Search CR12”
Choose the option labelled: “Official Search CR12”
Step 6: Confirm the payment notice
A pop-up will appear showing that the service costs KES 650.
Click OK to continue.
Step 7: Find your company
In the Find Business section:
N/B: You can apply for an updated CR12 in Kenya even if you are not a director or shareholder of that company.
Step 8: Select the correct company name
Click on the correct company from the results list.
Step 9: Enter your applicant details
You will be required to enter:
Step 10: Review and finish
Confirm your details and click Finish.
Step 11: Make payment
Choose your payment method:
That’s it.
Your updated CR12 is generated automatically showing the new company details, including your updated shareholders and directors.
1. Can I get an updated CR12 in Kenya?
Yes. You can get an updated CR12 in Kenya once your company’s changes (such as a share transfer or change of directors) have already been officially registered with the Registrar of Companies.
Your CR12 only reflects changes that are already approved on the registry.
2. How can I get an updated CR12 in Kenya?
You can get an updated CR12 in Kenya by applying online through the eCitizen portal under the Business Registration Service (BRS) and selecting “Official Search CR12.”
You only need your company name and your applicant details to complete the request.
3. How long does it take to get an updated CR12 in Kenya?
Getting an updated CR12 in Kenya is automatic.
Once you complete payment and it is confirmed on eCitizen, your updated CR12 is generated immediately with the latest company ownership and director details.
4. How much does it cost to get an updated CR12 in Kenya?
The official cost of getting an updated CR12 in Kenya is KES 650.
This is the statutory fee charged by the Business Registration Service (BRS) for issuing a CR12 showing updated company information.
5. Is a CR12 the same as conducting an official search?
Yes.
Getting an updated CR12 in Kenya is the same as conducting an official company search, because the CR12 document is the official search result showing your company’s current shareholders, directors and registered details.
If you would like a deeper explanation of what a CR12 is, how it is used, and why institutions ask for it, you can also read our detailed guide on CR12 in Kenya – Complete Beginner’s Guide (2026)
(This article focuses specifically on getting an updated CR12 in Kenya.)
Conclusion – Why you should get an updated CR12 in Kenya
Getting an updated CR12 in Kenya is not complicated.
If your company has changed its shareholders or directors, it is very important that your CR12 reflects the current legal position of your business.
The good news for you is:
Keeping your CR12 updated helps you avoid delays with banks, tenders, investors, property transactions and compliance checks.
Click the WhatsApp button to book your free consultation with M&A Registrars now.
Or email us at info@mnaregistrars.com
WhatsAppIf you would rather not handle the process yourself, M&A Registrars can assist you with:
This is especially useful for companies with multiple shareholders or recent restructuring.
Getting an updated CR12 in Kenya should be simple — and with the right support, it really is.
Disclaimer;
This article is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice.
You should always confirm the latest requirements with the relevant government authorities or a qualified company secretarial professional before proceeding.
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