Business Name Search and Registration in Kenya

Business Name Registration in Kenya

There are numerous advantages to living in the digital age. 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. The days of manually searching and registering business names are long gone.

BRS department is an entity under the office of the Attorney General and in charge of business name registration in Kenya. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that all necessary certificates are issued to Kenyan businesses and companies. However, the actual process of name searches and registration is via an online system, eCitizen. All registered businesses in Kenya go through a similar registration process, although the costs and requirements vary.

Businesses that have already been formed outside Kenya can apply to register as a branch or subsidiary of a foreign corporation. They will be given a certificate of compliance as proof that all of the conditions have been met.

Creating an eCitizen account in Kenya

eCitizen is an online platform designed to make it easier to access various government services in Kenya, such as business name registration in Kenya..

Here are the steps required to register with eCitizen:

1. Ensure that you have a valid email address
2. Search for www.ecitizen.go.ke
3. Fill in your full names as they appear on your national ID or passport
4. Enter your ID number
5. Enter your email address and phone number
6. Activate your eCitizen account by verifying the link sent to your email address
7. Create a password for your eCitizen account
8. Finally, a confirmation SMS will be sent to your phone confirming the activation of your account.

The eCitizen portal dashboard comprises five agencies:

1. Ministry of Land, Housing & Urban Development
2. Development Department of Immigration Services
3. National Transport and Safety Authority
4. Office of The Attorney General
5. Department of Justice

How do I search for my business name in Kenya?

To conduct an online name search in Kenya, you must first gain access to the eCitizen portal. It is, therefore, mandatory to create an eCitizen account to continue with business name searches in Kenya. For company registry services, one has to apply through the Office of Attorney General on the eCitizen portal.

Here’s how to search for a business name:

1. Log into the eCitizen portal
2. Click on the “Office of The Attorney General and Department of Justice”
3. Click on “Make Application”
4. Click on the “Name Search- Company/ Business”
5. Read and understand the instructions provided before applying
6. Click on the “Apply Now” button
7. Choose the business entity
8. Enter your proposed identity (the name you want to search)
9. Provide a short description of your entity
10. Review the application before submitting the details
11. Submit your application
12. Choose your preferred payment method from the list provided to complete your request- the search fee is Ksh.150
13. Wait for a response from the Registrar of Companies

How long is a business name reserved in Kenya? 

A business name that has not yet been registered may be reserved for a minimum of 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.

Business name registration in Kenya | How do I register my business name in Kenya?

To complete the business name registration in Kenya, you need to meet the following requirements:

• Conduct a name search through the Registrar of Companies and wait for approval of the proposed identity
• Describe the nature and activities of the proposed entity
• Provide the full identities of all the proprietors
• Indicate the postal address for the proposed name
• Indicate the physical address of the proposed entity- include the plot number, the town, and the county
• Presentation of copies of the national IDs or Passports of all partners or proprietors
• Present passport photos of the partners as well as copies of their PIN Certificate
• Payment of Ksh.850 for company registration (Ksh.800 for registration and Ksh.50 as a convenience fee)

Need help with business name registration in Kenya? Click here for assistance 

Steps for online business name registration in Kenya

The process of online business registration in Kenya begins with a name search and reservation by the Attorney General’s Office. To obtain a business name registration form in Kenya, you must be able to access your eCitizen portal.

Here are the guideline for registering your business name online in Kenya

• Log into your eCitizen portal

Enter your username/email and password into the eCitizen portal.

• Submit your business name

Submit your name through the Attorney General’s Office and the Department of Justice. Choose between business registration and name search. You will only click Continue after you have completed the search, then review and submit your entry. A search letter and an invoice for Ksh.850 will be created.

• Payment procedure

The next step is to pay for the application. The portal offers a Mpesa payment method.

• Get confirmation of name registration

After receiving a notification of payment confirmation, you can click on the complete button. Your application will be queued, and you will get feedback on whether yours is among the registered companies in Kenya within 1-2 working days.

The online system of registration of companies has significantly improved the process of business registration in Kenya. Nowadays, the process takes a shorter time which is a great improvement from how things used to be. The delivery of services through the Office of the Attorney General is fast, reliable, and efficient.

How many days does it take to register a business name in Kenya?

If all the documents and details are duly submitted, Business Name Registration in Kenya takes a maximum of 5 days to get the approval and the Business Name registration Certificate.

Can a foreigner register a business name in Kenya?

Yes, Business name registration in Kenya is allowed for foreigners. this is however not a very efficient type of business to setup since it is hard to process additional approvals like work permits. Most Licensing requirements in Kenya normally requires you to have a registered company.

Where do I register a business in Kenya?

Business Name registration in Kenya is now done online through the steps shared above. Fee free to reach out to us for additional help on the same.

Conclusion

Are you looking to embark on business name registration in Kenya and do not know where to start?

East Africa Business Consultants is here to assist with conducting a name search and preparing the registration forms as per the law of Kenya. We also offer a complimentary consultation so that our clients can clearly understand our field of professionalism and how they can leverage it.

Contact us today for expert advice on Business Name Registration in Kenya

 

September 29, 2023