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STATUTORY COMPLIANCE · KENYA

Annual Returns Filing in Kenya

Every registered company in Kenya must file annual returns each year. FIRM ensures your company meets its obligations, avoids penalties, and stays in good standing with the Registrar of Companies.
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OVERVIEW

What Are Annual Returns?

Annual returns are a mandatory statutory filing that every company registered in Kenya must submit to the Registrar of Companies each year under the Companies Act, 2015. They confirm that your company is still active and provide the Registrar with updated information about your company’s directors, shareholders, registered office, and share capital.

Annual returns are separate from tax returns filed with the Kenya Revenue Authority. Failure to file annual returns on time results in penalties and can eventually lead to your company being struck off the Companies Register, effectively ending its legal existence.

WHO IT IS FOR

Who Must File Annual Returns in Kenya?

Annual returns are a legal requirement for all registered business entities in Kenya, not just large corporations.

Private Limited Companies

All private limited companies registered in Kenya must file annual returns each year, regardless of whether the company traded during that period.

Foreign Companies

Foreign companies registered in Kenya or with a local branch must meet annual filing requirements with the Registrar of Companies.

Startups

Newly incorporated companies must begin filing annual returns from their first year of registration, even if they have not yet commenced trading.

Dormant Companies

Even dormant companies that are not actively trading must file annual returns to maintain their registration and avoid being struck off.

SCOPE OF WORK

What FIRM Handles for You

FIRM manages your annual returns filing from start to finish, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and full compliance.

  • Review of current company records and director information
  • Verification of shareholder details and share capital
  • Preparation of the annual returns documentation
  • Filing with the Registrar via the BRS portal
  • Payment coordination for any applicable government fees
  • Confirmation of successful submission
  • Company compliance calendar management
  • Notifications for upcoming filing deadlines

THE PROCESS

How FIRM Files Your Annual Returns

FIRM handles the entire annual returns process so your company stays compliant without the administrative burden.

01

Company Review

FIRM reviews your current company details including directors, shareholders, and registered office to ensure everything is accurate.

02

Document Preparation

We prepare all required annual return documents and verify the information against the Registrar’s records.

03

Filing with Registrar

FIRM submits your annual returns through the Business Registration Service portal and coordinates any applicable fees.

04

Filing Confirmation

You receive confirmation of successful submission and updated compliance status from FIRM.

05

Ongoing Monitoring

FIRM tracks your next filing deadline and notifies you in advance so you never miss a submission.

WHAT YOU NEED

What Is Required for Filing

To file annual returns in Kenya, the following information about your company must be current and accurate. FIRM will review and verify all details before submission.

  • Current list of all company directors and their details
  • Current list of all shareholders and their shareholding
  • Registered office address of the company
  • Share capital details and any changes since last filing
  • Company registration number and certificate
  • Details of any changes to company information during the year

TIMELINE

Deadlines and Processing

Annual returns in Kenya must be filed within a specific period after the company’s anniversary of incorporation. The exact deadline depends on your company’s incorporation date.

Late filing attracts penalties from the Registrar of Companies. Companies that fail to file annual returns for an extended period risk being struck off the Companies Register. FIRM initiates the filing process well in advance to prevent any risk of default.

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Frequently Asked Questions

Annual returns must be filed with the Registrar of Companies within a set period after the company’s anniversary of incorporation. The specific deadline depends on your company’s registration date. FIRM tracks your deadline and initiates the process well in advance.
Failure to file annual returns on time attracts penalties from the Registrar of Companies. If a company fails to file for an extended period, it may be struck off the Companies Register, which means the company loses its legal status and cannot legally operate.
No. Annual returns are filed with the Registrar of Companies through the Business Registration Service. Tax returns are filed separately with the Kenya Revenue Authority. They are two different obligations. FIRM can assist with both.
Yes. Even if your company has not traded during the year, it is still legally required to file annual returns with the Registrar of Companies. Dormant status does not exempt a company from this obligation.
The cost includes government fees set by the Business Registration Service and FIRM’s professional service fee. FIRM provides a transparent cost breakdown before proceeding. Contact us for a current quote based on your company’s details.
Yes. FIRM manages annual returns and ongoing compliance for multiple companies. We maintain a compliance calendar for each company and ensure all filing deadlines are met.
Annual returns include your company’s current directors, shareholders and their shareholding, registered office address, share capital, and confirmation that the company is still active. Any changes made during the year must be reflected in the return.
It may be possible to restore a struck-off company through an application to the Registrar or the courts, depending on the circumstances. FIRM can advise on company restoration. Prevention through timely filing is always the better approach.

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