How to Register a Limited Company in Kenya

It’s an exciting and very promising endeavor to start your limited business in Kenya and embark on this life-changing adventure. However, the complicated process of going through the business registration procedure might seem overwhelming at first. Don’t worry; by reading through this thorough guide, you will be able to sort out all the details, including how much each stage will cost and how to master each step and the important needs.

This guide is more than just a route map; it’s your reliable partner, making sure everything goes according to plan and providing you with an educated and effective experience. Your entrepreneurial journey begins with the registration of your limited company, which ushers in a momentous chapter in the fast-paced commercial landscape of Kenya, where possibilities abound. Here, the nuances of the registration procedure are explained, enabling you to proceed with assurance. From the first stages to the finer points, think of this book as a lighthouse that will show you the way to the official founding of your business. Together, let’s go out on this life-changing adventure, transforming bureaucratic complexities into the building blocks of your successful entrepreneurial endeavors.

The Essentials

1. National ID/Passport Number: Input your ID or passport number for e-citizen and company registration.
2. Passport Photo: Upload a clear photo without hats or glasses.
3. Good Internet: Ensure a stable internet connection for smooth registration.
4. Email Address: Have a valid email for e-citizen and company registration.
5. Register Shareholders’ Details: Names of shareholders, KRA PIN number, and contact details.
6. Directors’ Information: Provide directors’ names, addresses, and occupations.
7. Company Details: Include physical location, nominal capital, and business type.

E-Citizen Account Setup in 4 Easy Steps

1. Go to www.ecitizen.go.ke: Visit the one-stop platform for government services, including company registration.
2. Fill in the Account Registration Form: Input ID, email, and phone number.
3. Confirm Your Email Address: Verify your email by clicking the confirmation link.
4. Log Back into Your Account: Access your account for company registration.

Types of Companies to Register

1. Business Name or Sole Proprietorship
2. Partnerships
3. Private Limited Company
4. Public Limited Company
5. Companies Limited by Guarantee
6. Unlimited Companies
7. Branch Office of a Foreign Registered Company
8. Societies

14 Steps to Registering Your Limited Company

1. Open the Business Registration Portal: Select the business registration section on e-citizen.
2. Click on “Make a New Application”: Start the process by filling out Form CR1.
3. Fill Company Registration Form CR1: Provide business names, business type, and director details.
4. Register the Memorandum of Association (Form CR2): Include details of shareholders.
5. Register Directors’ Notice of Residential Address (Form CR8): Specify directors’ residential details.
6. Fill the Statement of Nominal Capital: Indicate total shares and their value.
7. Fill the Register of Beneficiary Owners Form: List details of company beneficiaries.
8. Print All Forms (CR1, CR2, CR8, Nominal Capital, BO): Use white paper for clarity.
9. Sign All Forms: Sign in blue or black pen, ensuring no missed signatures.
10. Scan and Submit Documents: Upload signed documents into the system.
11. Make Payment by Mpesa PayBill: Pay the indicated amount using the generated reference number.
12. Click on Confirm Payment Button: Confirm payment to trigger receipt generation.
13. Receive a Payment Receipt: Download the receipt, indicating a company reference number.
14. Wait for Certificate of Incorporation: Expect it in 2 to 4 days; track status on the portal.

Are you prepared to see your limited business grow? You may proceed through the procedure with assurance and clarity thanks to this guidance. Let the registration journey begin! Your entrepreneurial career in Kenya is waiting for you!

Please also check: How to deregister a company in Kenya.