Kenya · Company Registration
Entity types, registration process, required documents, costs, and official registries.
AI-drafted, editorial review pending. The official links below are checked — confirm specifics with the authority.
Companies are registered with the Business Registration Service under the Companies Act 2015, through the government's eCitizen platform. A private limited company — its name must end in “Limited” or “Ltd” — can be formed with a single member and a single director, who must be at least 18. A company secretary is required only where paid-up capital exceeds KES 5 million. Companies keep a register of beneficial owners and lodge it with the Registrar, and a foreign company that sets up a place of business in Kenya registers with the Registrar and names a local authorised representative.
- A private company can have one member and one director (aged 18 or over).
- A company secretary is required only if paid-up capital exceeds KES 5 million.
- Beneficial ownership information is lodged with the Registrar.
- Business Registration Service — Companies Registry
Business Registration Service: companies, LLPs and business names under the Companies Act 2015.
Government portals
- Business Registration Service (BRS) — Company, LLP and business-name registration, official searches and insolvency.
- Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) — Tax PINs, income tax, PAYE, VAT, eTIMS invoicing and customs.
- Directorate of Immigration Services — Work permits and passes, permanent residence, eTA and passports.
- Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) — Registration of data controllers and processors, complaints and breach reports.