Updated 8 November 2026
Some people are buried in debt they will never realistically repay, and they own nothing a creditor could sell. For them, Kenyan insolvency law offers a specific route. The No Asset Procedure Kenya option (NAP), run by the Official Receiver at the Business Registration Service (BRS), applies where the debtor has no realisable assets and owes between KSh 100,000 and KSh 4,000,000. It comes with strict conditions. You cannot take on new debt while admitted, family support and education loan obligations continue, and you can only use it once. This guide explains how it works.
Source: BRS pages on the No Asset Procedure and Official Receiver fees, read on 8 November 2026. The legal basis is the Insolvency Act, 2015. This is general information, not legal advice.
On this page
No Asset Procedure Kenya: key facts
| Item | Detail (BRS) |
|---|---|
| Who it is for | Debtors with no realisable assets to repay the debt |
| Debt range | Not less than KSh 100,000 and not more than KSh 4,000,000 |
| New debts | Not allowed during the period of admission |
| Obligations that continue | Alimony, child maintenance, and education loans for a dependent child or step-child |
| Excluded | Anyone previously adjudged bankrupt or previously admitted to NAP |
| Application fee | KSh 15,000 (Forms No. 12, 28 and 9) |
| Timeline | Subject to creditors’ objection |
What the No Asset Procedure is
BRS describes NAP as “an arrangement applicable where the debtor has no realizable assets to repay the debt”. Unlike a repayment plan, its premise is that nothing can be sold to pay creditors. The Official Receiver investigates, gives creditors a chance to respond, and if satisfied that you are eligible, admits you to the procedure, notifies creditors and publishes a notice of the admission.
Admission is public. The published notice means lenders and others can learn of it. Weigh that before applying.
Who qualifies for the No Asset Procedure in Kenya
- You have no realisable assets, meaning nothing of value that could be sold to repay creditors.
- Your debt is at least KSh 100,000 and no more than KSh 4,000,000.
- You have never been adjudged bankrupt.
- You have never been admitted to NAP before.
- The Official Receiver is satisfied, after investigation, that you are eligible.
If your debts are smaller and you have income to repay them, a Summary Installment Order (unsecured debts up to KSh 500,000, repaid within about three years) may be better. See our Summary Installment Order guide.
Restrictions under the No Asset Procedure Kenya rules
BRS lists three restrictions:
- No new debts during the period of admission.
- Family obligations continue. You must still pay alimony, child maintenance and education loans for a dependent child or step-child.
- One time only. NAP is not available to anyone previously adjudged bankrupt or admitted to NAP.
Because of the one-time rule, think carefully about timing. If your situation might improve soon, a negotiated restructure with lenders could keep NAP available for later.
No Asset Procedure Kenya fees and forms
The Official Receiver’s fee schedule lists the application for admission to the No-Asset Procedure at KSh 15,000. The requirements are Form No. 12, Form No. 28 and Form No. 9. The timeline is “subject to creditors’ objection”. Fees are paid at the BRS accounts office once the application is approved. Professional fees for an advocate or insolvency practitioner, if you use one, are separate.
How the Official Receiver handles an application
- A State Counsel reviews the application.
- If it is properly drawn, it is approved, the amount payable is indicated, and you pay the statutory fees.
- A Certificate of Compliance is generated and a file is opened.
- The Official Receiver writes to your creditors for their response, and sends reminders if they do not reply.
- A creditors’ meeting is convened where necessary.
- Your affairs are investigated.
- If satisfied that you are eligible, the Official Receiver admits you to NAP.
- Creditors are notified and a notice of admission is published.
Full disclosure is essential: list every creditor and be honest about income and property. Hidden assets would undermine the basic premise of NAP.
No Asset Procedure Kenya vs other debt options
| Option | Best for | Official Receiver fee |
|---|---|---|
| No Asset Procedure | KSh 100,000 to KSh 4m debt, no realisable assets | KSh 15,000 |
| Summary Installment Order | Unsecured debt up to KSh 500,000, with income to repay | KSh 20,000 |
| Individual Voluntary Arrangement | A proposal to creditors, voted on and adopted by court | KSh 30,000 |
| Debtor’s bankruptcy petition | Where a trustee should manage your property; usually lapses after 3 years if discharge is not opposed | KSh 30,000 |
Before any formal step, list your debts, gather statements, and consider talking to an advocate or licensed insolvency practitioner. Be wary of anyone promising to “wipe” debts or clear credit records for a fee.
Frequently asked questions
What debt amount qualifies for the No Asset Procedure in Kenya?
Debt of not less than KSh 100,000 and not more than KSh 4,000,000, where you have no realisable assets.
How much does it cost to apply?
KSh 15,000, according to the Official Receiver’s fee schedule, with Forms 12, 28 and 9.
Can I borrow while admitted to NAP?
No. BRS says a person admitted under NAP cannot take up new debts during the period of admission.
Can I use NAP twice?
No. It is not available to anyone previously admitted to NAP or adjudged bankrupt.
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