How to Register a Company in Kenya 2026: Step-by-Step BRS Portal Guide

Starting a formal business in Kenya has never been easier. The government dissolved the old Company Registry and consolidated all business registration services under the Business Registration Service (BRS). In 2026, the entire process of registering a company, business name, or partnership is done 100% online through the BRS portal.

Whether you want to start a limited liability company to win corporate tenders, or a sole proprietorship to run a local shop, doing it legally protects your personal assets and unlocks access to business bank accounts and credit facilities.

Here is the complete, step-by-step guide to registering a company in Kenya in 2026, including the exact requirements, costs, and what to do after you get your certificate.

Choosing the Right Business Structure

Before you log into the BRS portal, you must decide what type of entity you are creating. This decision affects your taxes, your ability to get loans, and your legal liability.

1. Business Name (Sole Proprietorship) This is the easiest and cheapest option. It is ideal for freelancers, small shops, and casual businesses. You are the business, meaning if the business is sued, your personal assets (like your car or house) are at risk. You do not need a lawyer for this.

2. Private Limited Company This is the most popular structure for serious businesses. The company is a separate legal entity from you. If the company goes bankrupt, your personal assets are safe. It is a requirement if you want to win government tenders, sign major corporate contracts, or attract investors. You can register it with just one director and one shareholder in 2026.

3. Partnership (LLP) Ideal for professionals like lawyers, doctors, or architects who want to pool resources together without forming a full limited company. It offers some liability protection but requires at least two partners.

Requirements for Registering a Limited Company in 2026

To register a Private Limited Company via the BRS portal, you must have the following information ready before you start the application:

Company Name: You need at least three name options. The BRS system will automatically search the registry to ensure no one else is using the name.
Directors Details: You need the full names, ID numbers, KRA PIN numbers, and passport photos of all directors (minimum of one, maximum of fifty).
Shareholders Details: The people who own the company. They can be the same as the directors. You must state how many shares each person owns (e.g., Director A owns 500 shares, Director B owns 500 shares).
Registered Physical Address: The physical location of the business in Kenya (e.g., “Kitengela, Kajiado County”).
Company Secretary: In 2026, a company secretary is only mandatory if your company has more than 5 directors or is a publicly listed company. Small companies can skip this.
Memorandum and Articles of Association: The BRS portal provides standard default templates. You do not need to hire a lawyer to draft these unless your business has highly complex ownership structures.

Step-by-Step Guide to the BRS Portal Registration

The entire process takes about 3 to 7 working days if all your documents are correct.

Step 1: Create an Account on the BRS Portal Visit the official Business Registration Service website at brs.go.ke. Click on “Create Account” and register using your email address and ID number. Verify your email.

Step 2: Log In and Select “New Application” Once logged in, go to your dashboard. Click on “Make Application” and select “Company Registration” (or “Business Name Registration” if you are doing a sole proprietorship).

Step 3: Reserve Your Company Name The system will ask you to enter your preferred names. Type in your three options and submit. The system does an instant search. If the name is available, it will be reserved for 30 days. The name reservation fee is typically KES 100 per name.

Step 4: Fill in the Company Details Once the name is approved, fill in the online form with the director details, shareholder information, registered address, and the nominal share capital (the standard minimum for most small businesses is 1,000,000 shares at KES 1 each, though you do not need to deposit this money in a bank).

Step 5: Upload Documents You will be required to upload scanned copies of the directors’ ID cards, passport photos, and a copy of the KRA PIN certificates. Ensure the scans are clear and in color.

Step 6: Pay the Registration Fees The BRS portal integrates directly with your M-Pesa, Airtel Money, or bank account via the e-Citizen payment gateway.

Name Reservation: KES 100
Company Registration Fee: KES 1,650 (Standard flat rate in 2026)
BRS Portal Convenience Fee: KES 100
Total Estimated Cost: Roughly KES 1,850 to KES 2,000 (Excluding any legal consultant fees if you hired someone to do it for you).

Step 7: Download Your Certificate After payment, the application goes to the BRS registry for approval. Once approved (usually within 24 to 48 hours), you will receive a notification. Log back into the portal and download your official Certificate of Incorporation as a PDF. It will bear a unique CR (Company Registration) number.

Crucial Steps to Take Immediately After Registration

Getting your certificate is just the beginning. If you do not complete these next steps, your company is technically non-compliant and you could face penalties from the government.

1. Apply for a Company KRA PIN Your new company is a separate legal entity, meaning it needs its own tax pin. Log into itax.kra.go.ke, register as a new taxpayer, and apply for a Company PIN using your new Certificate of Incorporation. You will need this PIN to open a bank account and file monthly returns.

2. Open a Corporate Bank Account Do not mix business money with your personal M-Pesa. Take your Certificate of Incorporation, your company KRA PIN, the directors’ IDs, and your CR12 form (a document from BRS showing current directors) to a bank to open a corporate current account.

3. Register for NSSF and NHIF/SHA By law, if your company has employees (even if the employee is yourself, the director), you must register the company with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHA) to start making monthly contributions.

4. Get Business Licenses A Certificate of Incorporation does not allow you to start operating physically. You must apply for a Single Business Permit from your local County Government (e.g., Nairobi City County) to legally operate in your specific location.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can a foreigner register a company in Kenya in 2026? Yes. Foreigners can legally own 100% of a Kenyan company. However, if a foreigner is acting as a director, they must provide a copy of their foreign passport and a KRA PIN (which they can apply for online as a non-resident). At least one director must have a local Kenyan address for service of process.

Do I need a lawyer to register a limited company? No. The BRS portal was specifically designed to allow citizens to register companies without legal representation. The portal provides all the standard legal forms. You only need a lawyer if you have a complex shareholder agreement or dispute.

What is the difference between a CR12 and a Certificate of Incorporation? A Certificate of Incorporation proves the company exists. A CR12 is an official document from BRS that shows the current list of directors and their details. Banks and County Governments will ask for a CR12 to prove you are an authorized signatory for the company.

How long does a company registration take in Kenya? If you fill out the forms perfectly and upload clear documents, approval is often done within 24 hours. In rare cases where the registry needs clarifications, it can take up to 5 working days. Name reservation itself is instant.

Can I change my company name later? Yes. You can file a “Special Resolution” to change the company name through the BRS portal. It requires a fee and the approval of the registrar, after which they will issue a new Certificate of Incorporation with the updated name.

Conclusion: You no longer have to pay a lawyer KES 20,000 to incorporate your business. By navigating the BRS portal in 2026, you can officially register a limited liability company in Kenya for under KES 2,000 in government fees. Once registered, prioritize getting your Company KRA PIN and a corporate bank account to unlock high-value business opportunities and financial services.

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