Quick answer
Enter a keyword, pick your industry and style, and the generator suggests business names in English, Swahili or a mix. Add 3 to 5 favourites to your shortlist, because the Business Registration Service asks for three to five names in order of priority when you apply on eCitizen.
Updated 17 October 2026
Choosing a name is the first decision you make when you register a business in Kenya, and it is the one most likely to slow you down. When you apply on eCitizen, the Business Registration Service (BRS) asks for between three and five proposed names in order of priority, then reviews them before approving one. This free generator helps you come up with strong options quickly, in English, Swahili or a mix of both, and builds the shortlist you need.
How to Use the Generator
- Enter a keyword. This can be what you sell (maziwa, mitumba, cakes), your own name, a family name, or an idea you like.
- Pick your industry. The generator uses words that suit it, such as Agrovet and Farms for agribusiness, or Logistics and Movers for transport.
- Choose a style. “Swahili words” pairs your keyword with words such as Baraka, Imara, Fanaka and Tumaini. “Modern” makes shorter, brand-style names. “Classic” gives traditional forms such as “& Sons”.
- Add a town if location matters. Local customers often trust names that include their town, such as a Nakuru hardware shop or an Eldoret dairy.
- Pick a structure. If you choose a private limited company, every suggestion ends in “Limited”, as a company name must.
- Build your shortlist. Tap Add on up to five names, put them in your order of preference, then copy the list to paste into your BRS application.
Press Generate again for a fresh set. Everything runs in your browser, so nothing you type is sent to us.
What Makes a Good Business Name in Kenya
A good name is easy to say on the phone, easy to spell when someone searches for you on M-Pesa or Google, and different enough from existing businesses that BRS will approve it. Some practical checks before you apply:
- Say it out loud. If customers will mostly hear your name, on radio, on a call or by word of mouth, avoid spellings that people will guess wrongly.
- Avoid near-copies. A name that closely matches an existing business is likely to be rejected, and it can also cause trouble later if the other business objects.
- Think beyond today. “Thika Phone Repairs” is clear, but it may feel limiting if you later sell accessories in Nairobi. Broader names give you room to grow.
- Check the online name too. Before you commit, search for the name on social media and see whether a matching website address is free. A name you can use everywhere is worth more than a clever one you cannot.
Business Name or Limited Company?
A business name is the simplest way to trade under a name other than your own. BRS describes it as the simplest business form and notes that a business name is not a legal entity, so the owner remains personally responsible for the business. A private limited company is a separate legal entity and costs more to register. Our business registration cost calculator shows the official BRS fees for each option, and our guide on how to check and reserve a business name on eCitizen walks through the name approval process.
After You Have a Name
Once BRS approves your name, the real work of building the brand starts. A simple logo, a consistent look across your signage and social media pages, and a listing on Google Maps make a new business look established from day one. If you want help with that, Ananke Digital builds websites for Kenyan businesses, and its free guide to setting up a Google Business Profile in Kenya is a good next step.
Frequently asked questions
How many names do I need for BRS registration?
The BRS FAQs say you key in a minimum of three and a maximum of five preferred names, in order of priority, for review and approval.
Does this generator check whether a name is available?
No. It suggests ideas only. BRS decides whether a name is available when it reviews your application on eCitizen.
Can I use a Swahili business name?
Yes. Many Kenyan businesses trade under Swahili names. The generator’s Swahili style pairs your keyword with common positive Swahili words.
Related Guides
- How to register a business name in Kenya
- How to register a limited company with BRS
- How to create an eCitizen account
- How to get a KRA PIN
- How to apply for a single business permit
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