How to register a business in Kenya: fees, steps and permits
Business name or limited company, the official BRS fees on eCitizen, and the Nairobi county permit you need before you open your doors.
Quick answer
In Kenya, you register a business online through the Business Registration Service (BRS) on eCitizen. A business name for a sole trader or partnership costs KSh950, and a private limited company costs KSh10,650 in registry fees. Before you trade, you also need a KRA PIN and a county business permit. In Nairobi, the unified permit for a small business with up to five employees was listed at KSh15,000.
At a glance
| Registry | Business Registration Service (BRS), on eCitizen |
|---|---|
| Business name (sole trader/partnership) | KSh950 |
| Private limited company | KSh10,650 |
| Name reservation | Now merged into the registration application (submit three name choices) |
| Also needed | KRA PIN; county business permit; any sector licences |
| BRS office | 17th Floor, 316 Upper Hill Chambers, 2nd Ngong Avenue, Nairobi |
Kenya moved business registration online years ago, and it is now handled by the Business Registration Service (BRS) through the government's eCitizen portal. You no longer queue at Sheria House or file paper forms. The registry fee itself is modest. What catches most first-time founders out is everything that comes after the certificate: the KRA PIN, the county permit and sector licences.
Official fees in Kenya
| Item | Fee | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Register a business name (sole trader or partnership) | KSh950 | BRS, via eCitizen |
| Register a private limited company | KSh10,650 | BRS, via eCitizen |
| Official search, company (CR12) | KSh650 | BRS |
| Official search, business name | KSh250 | BRS |
| Change of directors or secretary | KSh550 | BRS |
| Nairobi business permit (up to 5 employees) | KSh15,000 a year | Nairobi City County |
| Nairobi fire licence | KSh4,500 | Nairobi City County |
| Nairobi advertisement licence | KSh4,200 | Nairobi City County |
Step by step
Choose the right structure
A business name (sole proprietorship or partnership) is cheaper and simpler, but you are personally liable for its debts. A private limited company is a separate legal person, which banks, investors and larger clients often prefer.
Create or log in to your eCitizen account
All BRS registrations are done online through eCitizen. Log in, open the Business Registration Service and pick the registration type.
Submit three name choices with your application
BRS has merged name reservation and registration into one step. You submit three preferred names along with the full application, and BRS approves one.
Fill in the details and pay
For a business name, add the owners' details and business address. For a company, add the directors, shareholders, share capital, registered office and beneficial owners. Pay on eCitizen by mobile money or card: KSh950 for a business name or KSh10,650 for a private limited company.
Download your certificate
Once approved, download the certificate of registration or certificate of incorporation from eCitizen. Keep a PDF copy, because banks and the county will ask for it.
Get a KRA PIN for the business
A company needs its own KRA PIN as a non-individual taxpayer. A sole trader uses their personal PIN.
Apply for your county business permit
Before you open premises, apply for the county permit. In Nairobi this is the Unified Business Permit, which combines the trade licence, fire, health and advertising approvals. The fee depends on your business category and size.
Local tips
- Pick names BRS will accept. Because reservation is now part of the application, a rejected name delays the whole registration. Avoid names that copy existing companies or suggest government links, and give three genuinely different options.
- Your Nairobi permit depends on your category. A salon, a restaurant and a small consultancy pay different fees. The example above is for a business with up to five employees. You also need premises before you apply.
- Outside Nairobi, check your own county. Each of Kenya's 47 counties sets its own permit fees in its Finance Act, so a Mombasa or Kisumu permit costs something different.
- Sector licences come on top. Food businesses, pharmacies, transport operators and financial services all need licences from their own regulators before they trade.
- Keep your details current. Changing directors or the company address costs KSh550 per filing at BRS. Filing late can cause problems when a bank or tender asks for an up-to-date CR12.
If you need help, BRS's office is on the 17th Floor of 316 Upper Hill Chambers, 2nd Ngong Avenue, Nairobi, and its phone line is +254 11 112 7000.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to register a business name in Kenya?
BRS's Companies Registry fee schedule lists KSh950 for registering a business name. The fee is paid on eCitizen.
How much does it cost to register a limited company in Kenya?
The BRS fee schedule lists KSh10,650 for a private limited company. Lawyers or company secretaries charge separately if you use one.
Do I still need to reserve a name first?
No. BRS says name reservation and business registration have been merged into one step. You submit three preferred names with your application.
What does a Nairobi business permit cost?
It depends on the category and size of your business. The government's eProcedures portal gives a worked example for a business with up to five employees: a KSh200 application fee, a KSh15,000 business permit, a KSh4,500 fire licence and a KSh4,200 advertisement licence, KSh23,900 in total.
Can a foreigner register a company in Kenya?
Yes, foreigners can be directors and shareholders of a Kenyan private company. Non-resident directors need their own documents for KRA registration. See our KRA PIN guide for the requirements.
Sources
Fees and rules change. We last checked these facts on 30 September 2026. Always confirm with the official office before you pay. This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.