How to Register a Church in Kenya: Requirements, Fees and Steps (2026)

Updated 31 October 2026

To register a church in Kenya, you apply to the Registrar of Societies on eCitizen: reserve a name (KSh250), then submit Forms A and B, a constitution and the officials’ documents with the KSh5,000 registration fee. Churches are registered as religious societies under the Societies Act, and applications are vetted before approval. Here is the full process and the documents you need.

Sponsored

Updated October 2026.

Official fees

From the Societies Rules (Cap. 108):

The government cost to register is therefore KSh5,250. Advocates’ or consultants’ fees for drafting the constitution are extra.

Step-by-step: how to register a church in Kenya

1. Reserve a name. Submit up to three proposed names in order of preference for a name search. Pick names unlike any existing society.
2. Draft the constitution. Section 19 of the Societies Act requires it to cover: the name and objects; who can be a member and membership fees; how members are suspended or expelled; election, term and removal of officials, trustees and auditors; committees; how often general meetings happen and their quorum; and who controls the society’s funds and property.
3. Fill Form A with the society’s name, objects, membership class and number, officials’ titles and details, movable property and affiliations.
4. Fill Form B with the physical office and postal address.
5. Sign. Forms A and B must be signed by the chairperson, secretary and treasurer.
6. Submit on eCitizen with the documents below and pay KSh5,000. The Registrar of Societies moved registration online in July 2022.
7. Vetting. The registrar forwards religious society applications for security vetting before a decision.
8. Collect the certificate once approved.

The procedure is set out by the Office of the Attorney General.

Documents required for a religious society

Guidelines issued by the Registrar of Societies in July 2022 require:

• copies of national ID (or passport for foreigners) for each official;
• KRA PIN and a tax compliance or exemption certificate for each official;
• a diploma or degree in theology from a recognised institution for at least one official;
• a certificate of good conduct for each official; see how to get a certificate of good conduct;
• a sworn affidavit from each official stating whether they belong to, or hold office in, any other religious society;
• a recommendation letter from a registered religious society in good standing, signed by two of its officials, with a copy of its certificate;
• a list of members with names, ID numbers and contacts.

For tax compliance certificates, see how to get a KRA TCC.

After registration

• File annual returns every year and pay the fee for your membership size.
• Notify the registrar of any change of officials or address.
• Open a bank account in the church’s name with the certificate and minutes.
• Apply to KRA for income tax exemption if the church qualifies as a charitable organisation.

Church vs NGO vs company

A society suits a congregation run by its members. Organisations doing development work may register as public benefit organisations, and those running businesses such as schools often set up a company limited by guarantee. Compare structures in business structures in Kenya.

FAQ

How much does it cost to register a church in Kenya?

KSh5,250 in government fees: KSh250 for the name search and KSh5,000 for registration.

Do I need a theology qualification to register a church?

Yes. At least one official must hold a diploma or degree in theology from a recognised institution.

Where do I register a church in Kenya?

With the Registrar of Societies through eCitizen.

How many officials are needed?

At least three: a chairperson, secretary and treasurer, who all sign Forms A and B.