Step Description Required Link/Action
1 Create eCitizen account ecitizen.go.ke 
2 Access Business Registration Service (BRS) eCitizen → BRS Portal 
3 Reserve company name (1-3 proposals) Submit via BRS, KSh 150 fee ​
4 Complete forms (CR1, CR2, CR8) Download, sign, upload docs ​​
5 Pay fees (~KSh 10,650) M-Pesa or card via eCitizen ​
6 Download Certificate of Incorporation From BRS dashboard 

Why Register Online?

Kenya's eCitizen platform has revolutionized business registration, making it faster and more accessible than ever. Under the Companies Act 2015, anyone can form a private limited company, sole proprietorship, or partnership entirely online through the Business Registration Service (BRS). This digital process eliminates long queues at the Sheria House, typically completing in 1-7 days. Perfect for Nairobi entrepreneurs launching appliance repair services or other local businesses. Registration grants legal legitimacy, protects your brand, and enables KRA PIN issuance for tax compliance.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Account Setup

Visit ecitizen.go.ke and click "Create Account." Provide your ID number, phone, email, and KRA PIN (if available). Verify via SMS and set a password. New users complete this in under 5 minutes. Existing accounts skip ahead. Always use accurate details matching your national ID to avoid rejection.

Log in, then select "Business Registration Service" from the services menu. This one-stop portal handles name search, form generation, and payments. For companies, choose "Register a Company." Sole proprietorships use "Register Business Name." Foreigners need work permits but follow similar steps.

Name Reservation

Propose up to three unique names (e.g., "Nairobi Appliance Pros Ltd"). Avoid generic terms or existing brands. Pay KSh 150 via M-Pesa. Approval comes in 1-2 days; reserved names last 30 days. Search existing names first to save time. Rejected? Submit alternatives immediately.

Prepare Documents

Download auto-generated forms: CR1 (incorporation), CR2 (Memorandum & Articles), CR8 (Notice of registered office). Sign physically or digitally. Gather:

  • Directors/shareholders' IDs, KRA PINs, passport photos

  • Proof of address (utility bill)

  • Beneficial ownership declaration
    For private limited companies (most common), list at least one director/shareholder (Kenyan resident preferred) and share capital (minimum KSh 100).​​

Submit and Pay

Upload scanned/signed documents back to BRS. Review details: shares (ordinary/preference), business activities (use ICD 10 codes), registered office (physical Nairobi address required). Pay ~KSh 10,650 (includes stamp duty, filing fees). Breakdown: KSh 10,000 base + extras. Processing starts post-payment.

Costs and Timelines

Expect KSh 10,000-11,000 total for private companies. Business names cost ~KSh 950. Timelines: Name approval (1-2 days), full registration (3-7 days). Delays occur from document errors or name conflicts. Track status via eCitizen dashboard. Premium services (lawyers) speed it up for KSh 20,000+.

Business Type Approx. Cost Processing Time
Business Name KSh 950 1-3 days ​
Pvt Ltd Company KSh 10,650 3-7 days ​
Partnership KSh 1,000 2-5 days ​

Post-Registration Essentials

Download your Certificate of Incorporation, CR12 (directors list), and tax forms. Next:

  • Get KRA PIN via iTax

  • Open corporate bank account

  • Register for NSSF/NHIF (employees)

  • Obtain county single business permit (Nairobi: KSh 15,000+ annually)
    Non-compliance risks fines. Annual returns due within 30 days of anniversary.​

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Don't use personal emails for business accounts. Ensure all directors have KRA PINs. Match physical addresses exactly (plot no., street). For Nairobi businesses like repair shops, specify service codes accurately. Backup documents before upload. If stuck, BRS helpdesk assists via eCitizen chat.​​

Benefits for Kenyan Entrepreneurs

Online registration empowers startups in competitive markets like Nairobi's service sector. Limited liability protects personal assets. Branding strengthens trust—essential for appliance repair firms. Scalable for expansion to borehole drilling or cleaning services. Government pushes digital economy, waiving some fees for startups.​

This process, updated for 2026, positions your business legally from day one. Start today at eCitizen and turn ideas into registered reality.

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