The main issues holding them back are the legal aspects of starting a business. If you’re ready to turn your business idea into a reality, this guide will walk you through the steps required to register your business online in Kenya.
- Access your eCitizen account. If you do not already have an account, click the signup button, which will guide you through the simple process; once completed, the system will send you an email verification. Click on the shared link.
- Once completed/logged in, you will be able to see the various government agencies with which you can interact displayed.
- Select the Business Registration Service option from the drop-down menu.
- You will then be directed to a page where you can register your business name.
- Enter your preferred name and other pertinent information.
- You will be asked to pay a fee of Ksh 150 per name search, with M-Pesa, Debit/credit/prepaid cards, or eCitizen agent as payment options.
- Select your preferred method of payment.
- The results of a name search are usually available on the portal within one or two business days.
- Once your business name has been approved, you can proceed to register your company.
You will need the following documents to register your business on the eCitizen portal:
- A completed registration form CR1 (available for download on the portal).
- Statement of capital.
- Memorandum and article of association.
- Shareholders details; you will be required to upload scanned copies of your ID card/passport, KRA PIN certificate, and recent colored passport photographs. The directors/shareholders have to be registered on the iTax platform.
- Physical residential address of directors.
- Company registration fee – Ksh 10,650
Partnership or Sole Proprietorship Registration
- Navigate to the Business registration tab and select the partnership or sole proprietorship option.
- You will be redirected to an empty BN2 form, which you must fill out with the necessary information.
- Upload ID card/passport, KRA PIN certificate, and recent colored passport photographs of sole proprietor or partners.
- The registration fee for a partnership or sole proprietorship is Ksh 1,000.
It takes a week to register for such, and the certificate is available for download on the eCitizen platform.