Updated 8 November 2026
When a bank lends to a limited company, it usually takes security: a debenture over the company’s assets, a charge over its land, or both. Registering that security is not paperwork the borrower can ignore. Company charge registration Kenya rules require the charge to be filed at the Companies Registry, and land charges must also be registered at the land registry. When the loan is repaid, the charge must be discharged so that the assets are free again. This guide sets out the published Business Registration Service (BRS) and Ministry of Lands fees, forms and timelines.
Sources: BRS Fee Schedule – Companies Registry and Document Inspection fees, and the Ministry of Lands Service Charter, read on 8 November 2026. Confirm current fees on eCitizen or Ardhisasa. Your lender’s advocate normally handles filing.
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Company charge registration Kenya: key facts
| Service | Fee | Filing | Document / time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registration of debentures or charges (BRS) | KSh 2,000 to 14,000 | Security instrument with CR 25, 26 or 27 | Certificate of mortgage, 2 days |
| Discharge of charge or debenture (BRS) | KSh 2,000 | CR 28 | Certificate of clearance, 1 day |
| Inspect charge documents and register of charges (BRS) | KSh 500 | Request under s.892 Companies Act | – |
| Registration of a land charge or discharge (Lands) | KSh 500 | Charge/discharge instrument, consent to charge (for charges), original title, stamp duty proof, ID, PIN, 2 photos | – |
What a company charge is
A charge is a security interest. The company keeps using its assets, but the lender has a right to them if the loan is not repaid. A debenture often covers a broad range of assets, sometimes with fixed and floating charges. A legal charge over land secures a specific property. Registration makes the security visible to other lenders, buyers and creditors, and it protects the lender’s priority.
Company charge registration Kenya at BRS
The BRS companies fee schedule lists registration of debentures/charges at KSh 2,000 to 14,000. The filing is the security instrument accompanied by form CR 25, 26 or 27, depending on the type of charge. The document issued is a certificate of mortgage, with a 2-day timeline. Filings and payments run on eCitizen.
The fee range reflects different types of filing, so check the exact amount for your instrument on eCitizen. File promptly after the security is signed. Lenders treat late or missing registration as a serious risk, and it can delay disbursement.
Charges over company land
If the security includes land, a separate registration happens at the land registry (or on Ardhisasa where your area is live). The Ministry of Lands service charter lists charges/discharges at KSh 500. Requirements are the charge or discharge instrument, a consent to charge (for charges), the original title, proof of stamp duty payment, a certified copy of ID or passport, a copy of the KRA PIN certificate and 2 passport-size photographs. The charter also lists, under its Land Adjudication and Settlement department, issuance of consent to transfer, charge, lease and sub-lease at KSh 1,000 per plot within 2 days.
Discharging a charge after repayment
Paying off the loan does not automatically clear the record. At BRS, a discharge of charge/debenture costs KSh 2,000 on form CR 28, and a certificate of clearance is issued within 1 day. For land, register the discharge instrument at the land registry (KSh 500 under the charter). Ask your lender for the signed discharge documents as soon as you make the final payment.
How to check charges on a company
- A CR12 search confirms directors and shareholders. For charges, request inspection of the register of charges.
- BRS lists inspection of documents creating charges and the register of charges (s.892, Companies Act) at KSh 500.
- For land, do an official search. The charter lists the search certificate as free, within 3 days.
- For vehicles and equipment, also run a collateral registry search.
Company charge registration Kenya tips for borrowers
- Ask the lender for a schedule of all legal and registration costs before you sign the offer letter. Company charge registration Kenya fees are small next to legal fees and stamp duty.
- Read the debenture carefully. Broad floating charges can limit future borrowing or asset sales.
- Keep copies of the certificate of mortgage and, later, the certificate of clearance.
- When switching lenders, confirm the old charge is discharged before the new one is registered.
- Comparing loan prices? See our bank car loan rates and loan against shares guides.
Frequently asked questions
How much is company charge registration in Kenya?
The BRS fee schedule lists KSh 2,000 to 14,000 for registering debentures or charges, with CR 25, 26 or 27.
How long does it take?
BRS lists 2 days for the certificate of mortgage.
How do I remove a charge after repaying a loan?
File a discharge on CR 28 for KSh 2,000. BRS issues a certificate of clearance in 1 day. Discharge any land charge at the land registry too.
Can I see charges registered against another company?
Yes. BRS lists inspection of the register of charges and charge documents at KSh 500.
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