Register a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited company in Kenya through the Business Registration Service (BRS) on eCitizen. Most registrations are completed within 1–3 business days.
- eCitizen account
- KRA PIN
- National ID
- Proposed business name (have 3 alternatives)
- Physical address and county of business
- Directors’ details and ID copies (for limited companies)
Check name availability first
Before applying, search for your proposed business name at BRS portal (brs.go.ke → Name Search). Registration is rejected if the name is already taken. Have 3 name alternatives ready.
Log into eCitizen and go to Business Registration Service
At ecitizen.go.ke → Huduma Centre → Business Registration Service → select your business type: Sole Proprietorship (simplest, fastest), Partnership, or Limited Company (full legal entity).
Complete the online application form
Enter: business name, physical address, county, nature of business activities (describe what the business does), directors’ names and ID numbers (for limited companies), share capital (for limited companies).
Pay registration fees via M-Pesa
Business name registration: Ksh 950. Limited company registration: Ksh 10,650 (for up to 10,000 shares). Pay via M-Pesa Paybill 222222 with your eCitizen reference number as the account number.
Download your Certificate of Registration
After approval (1–3 business days), download your Certificate of Registration from eCitizen. This is the official legal document of your business. Get a KRA Business PIN and open a business bank account using this certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
A sole proprietor owns the business personally — all debts are personal debts and the business name is not a separate legal entity. A limited company (Ltd) is a separate legal entity — shareholders’ personal assets are protected from company debts. Most serious businesses use a limited company structure.
Yes — a business licence/permit is required from your county government. Visit your county headquarters or check the county government website. Fees vary by county and business type.