Business · 6 min read
How to register a business name in Kenya
The steps, what you'll need and where people usually get stuck.
Want help with your business registration?
Prefer to understand the process yourself? Continue below.
Registering a business name makes your business official. It lets you open a business bank account, apply for some tenders and builds trust with customers.
Business name or limited company?
- Business name: simple and cheaper. You and the business are legally the same.
- Limited company: separate legal entity. Better if you plan to grow, get investors or bid for big tenders.
What you need
- eCitizen account
- ID and KRA PIN of every owner
- Three name options, in order of preference
- Business location and nature of business
Steps
- 1Log in to eCitizen and open Business Registration Service (BRS).
- 2Do a name search and reserve your preferred name.
- 3Once approved, fill the registration form.
- 4Pay the official fee.
- 5Download your certificate once it's approved.
Tip: Names get rejected when they're too similar to existing ones or use restricted words like 'Bank' or 'National'. Have backups ready.