Registering a company name in Kenya
Company name registration in Kenya
It is important that individuals forming companies in Kenya satisfy themselves with the acceptability of the proposed name in advance of submission of documents to the BRS, bearing in mind that an objection may arise post-incorporation, which could result in the company being directed to change its name. It is also possible to reserve a company name using BRS.
Where to check the company name in Kenya
Applicants are recommended to use the Business Registration Service to search their company name in Kenya and also to ensure that the requested name does not already exist under that name.
Business Registration Service (BRS) is mandated to oversee the operations of the Companies Registry, registering a company in Kenya, and performing such other functions as may be necessary under the BRS Act.
Reserve a company name in Kenya
The Company Registry requires that a name search in Kenya be conducted and approved before the registration process of any local business. Business name reservations are done online through the e-citizen portal.
The Business Name is the simplest business form under which one can operate a business. The Business Name is not a legal entity. It simply refers to a person who owns the business and is personally responsible for its debts.
Before you perform a name search it is important to note the following
- Businesses with the word “Enterprises” at the end cannot use Initials e.g., J.K and Brian Enterprises
- Names with the word “Foundation” must be registered as Companies limited by a guarantee
- Names with “Groups”, “projects” and “Holdings” must be limited. (Ahadi group limited)
- Names with “Universities” must be limited. (Ahadi university limited)
- Single words are not accepted (Ahadi)
- Offensive or abusive words are not allowed either. Offensive words in vernacular (mother tongue) are not allowed either.
- Political names e.g. (Nairobi youth alliance) are not allowed
- Numeric is not allowed not unless it’s the current year e.g. (2015)
- Names starting with the word “Kenya” are only reserved for the government.
- Names with ‘Church’ and ‘Ministry or Ministries’ are not allowed
- Names with “Trust”, “Foundation”, and Programs are not allowed
- The Registrar of Names does not register clubs
- Names with “Relief” are not allowed
- Names with “welfare”, Organization, and Association, are not allowed.
Check out the steps for company registration in Kenya here
Documents Required When Registering a company name in Kenya
- Identity card (copy) For Kenyan citizens.
- Passport (copy) For non-resident foreign nationals.
- Foreign national registration certificate- alien card (copy) For foreigners residing in Kenya.
- Notarized company Registration Certificate (Incase of subsidiary registration)
- Recent passport Photo
Required Information when Registering a company name in Kenya
- Names and addresses of the applicant
- Sex, Age, and marital status of the applicant
- At least three different proposed company names
- Nationality
- Proposed business and address of the Company.
- Names of shareholders / Directors
- Proposed company activities.
- Proposed share capital
You can also check out the requirements to register a business name or a limited company in Kenya
A company name may not be registered in Kenya if:
- It is the same as a name appearing in the Registrar’s Index of Company Names, Business Names, Limited Liability Partnerships, or Partnerships;
- It has a close phonetic resemblance to the name of the company, business name, limited liability partnership, or partnership that is already registered;
- It differs from the name of another company, business name, limited liability partnership, or partnership that is already registered only by the addition of the name of a place, locality, or region within Kenya;
- It is identical to, or closely resembles, that of a name that has been reserved by the Registrar for use in connection with a proposed company, business name, limited liability partnership, or partnership;
- It is identical to. or closely resembles, the name of a company or limited liability partnership that has been dissolved, or has been struck off the register of companies or register of limited liability partnerships, or the entry of a business in the register of business names or partnerships kept under the Registration of Business Names Act 2015 has been canceled;
- It is the same as a name of a body corporate or established under a written law;
- The Registrar believes on reasonable grounds that its use would involve the commission of a criminal offense; or
- The Registrar believes on reasonable grounds that it is offensive or undesirable or contrary to the public interest.
Conclusion
Are you looking forward to registering a company name in Kenya today? Contact us today for professional and professional advice.
