Last updated on September 29th, 2023 at 09:05 am
Do you intend to establish a corporation or a formal business in Kenya? If this is the case, you must have it registered.
Having a registered business gives you more credibility and, as a result, more customer flow because it demonstrates that your business operations are legal.
However, you must first conduct a name search before registering. This way, you can avoid using already registered company names.
The attorney general’s office provides business name search and registration services in Kenya.
Their primary duty is to ensure that all necessary certificates are issued to Kenyan businesses and corporations.
The actual search name and registration are handled by an online system known as eCitizen.
The days of manually searching for and registering business names are long gone. Work is becoming less tedious as more online platforms are introduced. As a result, online systems have made conducting a name search and business registration in Kenya much easier.
A business name is a name or title used by a person or entity to conduct business.
Before conducting a business name search, it is important to understand that all names are acceptable for use as a business name.
However, there are requirements that the name must meet before it can be used to register a business name.
Because you can only search and reserve one name at a time, knowing the basics of what happens when you present a name for search with the intent of reservation ensures you save time and money by not having to conduct multiple searches.
Before you start searching for a business name, consider the following:
1). Unique name
Because there are thousands of registered names, you should avoid using common words, names, and phrases. It is best to choose a name that is distinct and easy to remember.
To ensure that the final name is unique or stands out, coin a name from a unique selling point of your business or simply use a family name.
2). Nature of business
Consider the nature of the business you intend to start. Some businesses require a descriptive name that identifies the type of business.
However, if you run multiple businesses, you may require a neutral name.
3). Target audience
Consider your target audience or clientele. They should be able to relate to the name you choose.
4). Current trends
You should also consider current trends when selecting a name for your business. This is likely to increase traffic to your business because many people are following the trend.
In Kenya, you are not permitted to use the following business names.
You cannot use the following words, terms, or phrases in your business in Kenya:
a). Names beginning with the word “Kenya” are only available to the government and cannot be used by private businesses.
b). Use of offensive or abusive words in any language is not permitted
c). Names that include the words, “Groups, projects, and Holdings” must be for limited companies.
d). Numerics is not allowed unless it’s the current year.
e). Only companies limited by Guarantee may use names that include the words, “Trust, Foundation, and Programmers”
f). Names with relief cannot be used
g). Names containing terms such as “Welfare, Organization, and Association” cannot be registered as a business.
h). Initials are not permitted in business names that include the word “Enterprises”
i). Single words cannot be used.
eCitizen Kenya
The Kenya Business Registration Services Act 2015 aims to make it easier for businesses to operate in the country.
Company registration is done online through the eCitizen platform. Payment is made electronically using mobile money, credit, or debit cards.
Access to Kenya’s eCitizen website is required to conduct an online name search or confirm if the name is already taken. To continue with business name searches in Kenya, you must first create an eCitizen account. To apply for the company registry services, go to the eCitizen portal and apply through the office of the Attorney General.
Creating an account on the eCitizen platform.
eCitizen is an online platform designed to make it easier to access various government services in Kenya, such as business and company registration.
To sign up for eCitizen, go through the following steps:
i). Ensure that you have a valid email address
ii). Search for www.ecitizen.go.ke and click on create an account.
iii). Fill in your names as they appear on your national ID or passport. 
iv). Enter your ID number, your email address, and phone number.
v). Verify the link sent to your email address to activate your eCitizen account.
vi). Create a password for your eCitizen account.
vii). Your phone will receive an SMS confirming the activation of your account.
How to do a business name search on eCitizen.
Now that you have an account, here’s how to search for a business name.
Step 1: Log in to the eCitizen portal https://accounts.ecitizen.go.ke/login or create an account if don’t already have one.
Several agencies provide various services. To register and manage your business go to, business registration.
Step 2: Go to Business Registration service and click get service.
Step 3: Click on make an application.
Step 4: Click on name search, business/company option.
Step 5: Read the instructions provided carefully and click on apply now.
Step 6: Select the business entity, then enter the name you want to look up.
Kenyan individuals and groups typically seek to register four business entity structures in the country. These businesses are classified as follows:
1). Private company limited by shares
This type of company has a share capital, and each member’s liability is limited to the amount unpaid on their shares if any. A private company cannot sell its shares to the general public and may have no more than fifty (50) members.
2). Public limited company
A public company has a share capital and limits each member’s liability to the amount unpaid on their shares. It may sell its shares to the general public and be listed on the securities exchange.
3). Companies limited by guarantee
This type of company lacks share capital. Its members serve as guarantors rather than shareholders. Members’ liability is limited to the amount they agree to contribute to the assets of the company if it is liquidated.
4). Unlimited liability companies
This type of company has no limit on the liability of its members.
Step 7: Give a brief description of your business or what it entails, then click proceed.
Step 8: Examine your application to ensure that you have filled in all of the required information.
Step 9: Submit your application.
Step 10: You will then be asked to pay Kshs. 150, which is the fee charged.
Step 11: Choose your preferred method of payment.
Step 12: Wait for a response from the Registrar of Companies after making the payment.
How long is a business name reserved?
The proposed business name is checked to ensure that it is not too similar to an already registered business.
The name search takes approximately one working day to complete.
If the business name is approved, it can be reserved for at least 30 days. In exceptional circumstances, this period may be extended for an additional 30 days to allow the applicant more time to complete the registration process.
Requirements for business name registration
To register a business name in Kenya, you need to meet the following requirements:
#1. Proposed business name
The proposed business name is checked to ensure that it is similar to an already registered business. It is reserved for 30 days if approved. A minimum of three names must be submitted to BRS.
The BRS department is part of the Attorney General’s office that is in charge of business name registration in Kenya. Their primary duty is to ensure that all necessary certificates are issued to Kenyan businesses and corporations.
#2. Objectives of the business.
This is the primary purpose for which the company is being formed. As a result, you must describe the nature and activities of the proposed identity, which must be entirely legal and not contrary to public policy.
#3. Names of the directors, contact details, and email.
KRA requires that the director’s information be included on the registration application for the sake of transparency and accountability
#4. Proof of identification.
Each director must provide valid and unexpired proof of identification. Kenyan citizens only need a national identity card.
#5. Passport photo
Each director and officer must provide a clear and recent passport photograph.
#6. KRA PIN
To prove registration with the tax authority, all directors, whether resident or non-resident, must provide a copy of their Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) personal identification number (PIN) certificate.
In addition, all directors must sign and submit the following forms during registration.
#7. Form CR1
This is the company registration form.
#8. Form CR2
This is the Memorandum of a company with share capital.
#9. Form CR8
This is the notice of registered address form
#10. Statement of Nominal capital by all directors.
Ksh. 850 is required for company registration, where, Ksh. 800 is for registration and Ksh. 50 as a convenience fee.
How to check if a company is registered in Kenya
There are a couple of ways to check if a company is registered in Kenya.
One way is to conduct a search on the eCitizen portal for a CR12 or official search.
To do this, you need to log in to your eCitizen account, click on the Business Registration Service link, select the Make Application option, and then select the Official Search (Third Party Application) service.
You will then be prompted to apply with a fee of Ksh. 650, after which you can enter the name of the company you are searching for.
The company’s name will be shown, and you can select it and enter your postal address and postal code.
After verifying the information, you can choose the payment mode and pay the fee.
Upon successful payment, you will be directed to a page called Application Details, where you can download Form CR12 containing information about the company you are looking for.
Conclusion
If you are looking to conduct a name search and register your business in Kenya but are unsure where to begin, the steps outlined above will help. Log in to your eCitizen platform to register the business.
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