How to Register a Limited Company with BRS in Kenya

Updated 15 October 2026

Private limited companies in Kenya are registered with the Business Registration Service under the Companies Act. The process runs on eCitizen. A company has separate legal personality and limited liability for shareholders, unlike a simple business name.

Typical requirements

• eCitizen accounts for proposers
• Proposed company name (with backups)
• ID and KRA PIN for directors and shareholders
• Registered office address in Kenya
• Share capital structure and articles (model articles are commonly used)
• Payment of BRS fees shown on eCitizen

Steps

1. Reserve the company name on the BRS eCitizen service.
2. Capture directors, shareholders, beneficial owners and addresses as the form requires.
3. Adopt articles of association.
4. Pay official fees and submit.
5. Download the certificate of incorporation and CR12 (or current directors extract) when available.
6. Register the company for taxes on iTax, then open a bank account with incorporation documents.

Name reservation on BRS has historically been a small fee (often quoted around KES 150 for a search/reservation line item) while incorporation costs more; always use the live eCitizen invoice. Pair this with a county single business permit before you trade from a physical premises.