Starting a business in Kenya is easier than it used to be, thanks to online government services. In 2026, entrepreneurs can register business names and companies online through the Business Registration Service (BRS) on eCitizen.
However, business registration is only the first step. Depending on the type of business and what you sell, you may also need a KRA PIN, tax registrations, eTIMS, county permits and sector-specific licences.
This guide explains how to register a business in Kenya in 2026, how much it costs, what documents you need and what to do after registration.
What You Need Before Registering a Business in Kenya
Before beginning the registration process, prepare:
- A valid Kenyan National ID or other accepted identification document
- An active eCitizen account
- Your proposed business name
- A physical or business address
- Phone number and email address
- Details required for the type of business you want to register
- KRA PIN details where applicable
- Money to pay the registration fee
The BRS eCitizen portal allows users to apply for services, make payments electronically and download documents generated after successful applications.
Step 1: Decide What Type of Business You Want to Register
One of the most important decisions is choosing the appropriate legal structure.
1. Business Name
A business name is generally the simplest structure for an individual entrepreneur or small business.
It is important to understand that a business name is not a separate legal entity. The proprietor remains responsible for the business.
According to BRS, registration of a business name costs KSh 950.
This option can be suitable for businesses such as:
- Online shops
- Freelance businesses
- Small retail businesses
- Consultancy businesses
- Photography businesses
- Digital marketing businesses
- Small service businesses
2. Private Limited Company
A private limited company is a separate legal entity and may be more appropriate when you have partners, shareholders, investors or plans to grow the business.
The current BRS fee schedule lists the registration fee for a private limited company at KSh 10,650, with an indicated processing time of approximately 3–5 days.
3. Limited Liability Partnership
An LLP can be useful where two or more people want to operate a business partnership with a limited-liability structure.
BRS currently lists the registration fee at KSh 25,000.
Tip: Don’t automatically register a limited company simply because it sounds more professional. Choose a structure based on your business, ownership, liability, funding and future plans.
Step 2: Create or Log Into Your eCitizen Account
Go to the official eCitizen platform and sign in.
The BRS portal provides access to business registration services online. You can use your eCitizen credentials to access the Business Registration Service.
Business Registration Service on eCitizen
Once logged in, select the Business Registration Service.
Step 3: Choose Your Business Registration Service
Select the service corresponding to the type of business you want to establish.
For example:
Business Name → Registration of a Business Name
or
Private Limited Company → Company Registration
The application process will ask you for information depending on the business structure selected.
Step 4: Choose Your Business Name
Your business name is an important part of the application.
BRS guidance says applicants registering a business name should provide a minimum of three and a maximum of five preferred names, listed in order of priority.
For example:
- TechDrivers Media
- TechDrivers Digital
- TechDrivers Africa
- TechDrivers Technologies
- TechDrivers Solutions
The system will process the proposed names according to the applicable rules.
Tips for Choosing a Business Name
Choose a name that:
- Is easy to remember
- Is relevant to your business
- Is easy to spell
- Does not unnecessarily restrict future expansion
- Does not infringe another business’s name or trademark
- Is suitable for your website and social media presence
Before committing to a name, also consider whether the corresponding domain name and social media handles are available.
Step 5: Fill in Your Business Details
After selecting your preferred name, provide the information requested by the BRS system.
Depending on the business structure, this may include:
- Business activity
- Physical location
- Postal address
- Contact information
- Owner information
- Directors
- Shareholders
- Shareholding structure
- Company details
For a private limited company, additional information about directors and shareholders is required.
BRS guidance says company applicants provide director and shareholder information and upload the required supporting documents.
Step 6: Review and Sign the Generated Forms
After entering the required information, the system may generate registration documents for you to review.
Check everything carefully before submitting.
Look for errors in:
- Names
- ID numbers
- Addresses
- Phone numbers
- Email addresses
- Directors’ details
- Shareholding information
- Business activities
Where required, sign the generated documents, scan them and upload them back to the portal.
Step 7: Pay the Registration Fee
Once your application is ready, proceed to payment.
BRS says eCitizen registration services can be paid for electronically using methods including mobile money, cards and online banking.
Business Registration Costs in Kenya
| Business structure | Current BRS-listed registration fee |
|---|---|
| Business Name | KSh 950 |
| Private Limited Company | KSh 10,650 |
| Limited Liability Partnership | KSh 25,000 |
These are the registration fees listed by BRS’s current fee schedule. Other costs may apply depending on your business, licences or additional services.
Important: Government fees can change. Always confirm the amount displayed on the official BRS/eCitizen payment page before paying.
Step 8: Download Your Registration Certificate
After your application has been successfully processed, you can access the resulting documents through the online system.
For a business name, you receive a Certificate of Registration.
For a private limited company, you receive a Certificate of Incorporation.
BRS states that completed outputs can be downloaded through its eCitizen service.
Keep digital and printed copies of your registration documents because you may need them when dealing with banks, KRA, suppliers, customers and other government agencies.
Step 9: Get or Update Your KRA PIN
Business registration does not mean you can ignore your tax obligations.
KRA states that a PIN is used when conducting business with KRA, other government agencies and various service providers. It is also required for transactions including business-name and company registration and certain business permits.
For companies and partnerships, KRA says PIN registration is initiated online through iTax and may require business registration details, directors’ PINs and National ID information.
For a sole proprietor operating under a business name, KRA states that the proprietor’s individual PIN is used for the business’s transactions.
Step 10: Register for eTIMS Where Applicable
Businesses also need to understand their electronic invoicing obligations.
KRA says registered taxpayers engaging in business are obliged to use TIMS or eTIMS.
KRA provides different eTIMS solutions, including eTIMS Lite for small and micro taxpayers who are not VAT registered.
eTIMS Lite is available through:
- eCitizen
- USSD via *222#
- The eTIMS mobile application
Before choosing an invoicing system, check which eTIMS solution applies to your business.
Step 11: Apply for a County Business Permit
Depending on your business activity and location, you may also need a Single Business Permit or another county licence.
This is separate from registering your business with BRS.
For example, a physical shop, restaurant, salon, workshop or other premises-based business may have county-level licensing requirements.
The requirements and fees can vary between counties and business categories.
Therefore, after registering your business, check with the relevant county government about the permits required for your specific activity.
Step 12: Check Whether You Need an Industry-Specific Licence
Some businesses require additional licences before they can legally operate.
Examples can include businesses involved in:
- Food and hospitality
- Transport
- Health services
- Education
- Financial services
- Communications
- Tourism
- Manufacturing
- Alcohol sales
- Importing and exporting
Business registration alone does not automatically give you permission to operate in every regulated industry.
Always check the requirements for your specific sector before beginning operations.
Step 13: Open a Business Bank Account
Once you have registered the business, consider opening a dedicated business bank account.
Depending on the bank, you may be asked for documents such as:
- Certificate of Registration or Incorporation
- KRA PIN
- Identification documents
- Company documents
- Board resolutions where applicable
- Proof of address
Keeping business and personal finances separate makes accounting and tax management easier.
Step 14: Set Up Your Business Records
Do not wait until tax deadlines to start keeping records.
Create a simple system for recording:
- Sales
- Expenses
- Invoices
- Receipts
- Supplier payments
- Employee payments
- Bank transactions
- Tax records
Good financial records can help you understand whether your business is actually making money.
How Long Does Business Registration Take in Kenya?
Processing time depends on the type of registration and whether the application is complete.
BRS currently lists:
- Business Name: about 1 day
- Private Limited Company: about 3–5 days
- LLP: about 1 day
These are the processing times listed on the BRS fee schedule and should not be treated as a guarantee. Applications requiring additional review or correction may take longer.
How Much Money Do You Need to Register a Business in Kenya?
The registration fee is only one part of the cost of starting a business.
For example, someone registering a business name may pay KSh 950 for registration, but the total amount required to start operating could be much higher.
You may also need money for:
- County permits
- Premises
- Equipment
- Stock
- Branding
- Website
- Internet
- Marketing
- Accounting
- Licences
- Staff
- Transport
This is why entrepreneurs should calculate their startup capital, not just their registration cost.
For more information, see our related guide:
[What You Need to Start a Business in Kenya in 2026: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide]
Business Name vs Limited Company in Kenya
| Feature | Business Name | Private Limited Company |
|---|---|---|
| Complexity | Simpler | More formal |
| BRS-listed registration fee | KSh 950 | KSh 10,650 |
| Separate legal entity | No | Yes |
| Suitable for small businesses | Yes | Yes |
| Shareholders | No | Yes |
| Investment potential | More limited | Generally better suited |
| Compliance | Simpler | More requirements |
The right choice depends on your business model and long-term plans.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Choosing a name without checking availability
Prepare several alternatives instead of relying on one name.
2. Registering the wrong business structure
Think about ownership, liability, financing and future growth before choosing between a business name and company.
3. Assuming registration means you are fully licensed
A BRS certificate does not automatically cover county permits or industry-specific licences.
4. Ignoring tax obligations
Registering a business does not remove your responsibility to comply with applicable tax requirements.
5. Mixing personal and business money
Use separate records and, where practical, a dedicated business account.
6. Failing to keep records
Keep your invoices, receipts, expenses and financial records from the beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register a business online in Kenya?
Yes. Business registration services are available online through the Business Registration Service on eCitizen.
How much does it cost to register a business name in Kenya?
The current BRS fee schedule lists the registration fee for a business name at KSh 950.
How much does it cost to register a limited company in Kenya?
The current BRS fee schedule lists KSh 10,650 for registration of a private limited company. Always confirm the amount displayed on the official portal before payment because government fees can change.
Do I need a KRA PIN to run a business?
Businesses have tax obligations and KRA PIN requirements apply to relevant transactions and taxpayers. KRA states that a PIN is used for business dealings with KRA and other government agencies.
Do I need a business permit after registration?
Possibly. Business registration and county licensing are separate matters. Depending on your business activity and location, you may need a county business permit or other licences.
Is a business name the same as a company?
No. BRS describes a business name as the simplest form of business and states that it is not a legal entity. A private limited company is a separate legal entity.
Final Checklist: Registering a Business in Kenya in 2026
- Decide what type of business to register
- Create or access your eCitizen account
- Choose 3–5 preferred names where required
- Submit the BRS application
- Provide the required business information
- Upload/sign required documents
- Pay the registration fee
- Download your registration certificate
- Check your KRA PIN and tax obligations
- Register for eTIMS where applicable
- Check county permit requirements
- Obtain sector-specific licences where required
- Open a business bank account if appropriate
- Set up proper financial records
Bottom Line
Registering a business in Kenya in 2026 can be completed largely online, but obtaining a registration certificate is only the beginning.
The most important steps are to choose the right business structure, register through BRS on eCitizen, understand your KRA obligations, comply with eTIMS requirements where applicable, obtain county and sector-specific licences where required, and keep proper business records.
If you are still deciding what business to start and how much capital you need, read our related guide: [What You Need to Start a Business in Kenya in 2026: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide].
