BUSINESS FORMATION · KENYA
Company Registration in Kenya
OVERVIEW
What Is Company Registration?
Company registration is the legal process of incorporating a business entity with the Registrar of Companies in Kenya under the Companies Act, 2015. Once registered, your business becomes a separate legal entity with its own identity, rights, and obligations.
A registered company can open bank accounts, enter contracts, own property, hire employees, and raise investment in its own name. Registration also protects the personal assets of directors and shareholders through limited liability.
Whether you are a Kenyan entrepreneur, a foreign investor entering the East African market, or a startup founder preparing for growth, company registration is the legal foundation everything else is built on.
WHO IT IS FOR
Who Needs Company Registration in Kenya?
If you plan to operate a business with limited liability, raise capital, hire employees, or trade internationally, you need a registered company.
Entrepreneurs
Startup Founders
Foreign Investors
SMEs and Corporations
SCOPE OF WORK
What FIRM Handles for You
When you register a company through FIRM, we manage the entire incorporation process. You provide the information, we handle everything else.
- Company name search and reservation with the Registrar
- Preparation of Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Director and shareholder appointment documentation
- Registered office address setup in Nairobi
- Share capital structure and allocation
- Filing with the Registrar of Companies (eCitizen/BRS portal)
- Obtaining your Certificate of Incorporation
- KRA PIN registration for the company
- VAT and PAYE registration where applicable
- Company compliance calendar setup
- Post-registration guidance on permits, licences, and next steps
- Ongoing company secretarial support
THE PROCESS
How to Register a Company in Kenya
FIRM simplifies incorporation into five clear steps. You provide the details, we handle the rest.
01
Tell Us What You Need
Contact FIRM with your company name, business activity, and director/shareholder details.
02
Name Search and Reservation
We search and reserve your preferred company name through the Business Registration Service portal.
03
Documentation and Filing
FIRM prepares the Memorandum, Articles of Association, and all required forms, then files with the Registrar.
04
Certificate of Incorporation
Once approved, you receive your Certificate of Incorporation, CR12, and company PIN certificate.
05
Post-Registration Setup
FIRM guides you through KRA registration, tax obligations, compliance requirements, and any permits your business needs.
WHAT YOU NEED
Requirements for Company Registration
To register a private limited company in Kenya you will typically need the following. FIRM will guide you through every document.
- At least one proposed company name (three alternatives recommended)
- Copies of national ID or passport for all directors and shareholders
- KRA PIN certificates for each director and shareholder
- Passport-size photographs for each director
- Physical address for the registered office (FIRM can provide this)
- Details of proposed business activities
- Proposed share capital and shareholding structure
TIMELINE
Timeline and Processing
Name reservation typically takes 1 to 3 business days. Company incorporation, including document preparation and filing, typically takes 3 to 7 business days after all required information has been received.
FIRM cannot guarantee government processing timelines, but we ensure your application is complete, accurate, and submitted without delay.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
Frequently Asked Questions
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