Registering a company in Kenya through the eCitizen platform offers a streamlined process for entrepreneurs. Costs typically range from KSh 10,650 for basic private limited companies, while timelines average 3-5 business days.
Official Government Fees Breakdown
The Business Registration Service (BRS) sets standard fees across company types. Private limited company registration costs exactly KSh 10,650, covering name search, reservation, incorporation forms (CR1, CR2, CR8), and nominal capital statement.
Key fees include:
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Private Limited Company: KSh 10,650 (3-5 days)
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Public Limited Company: KSh 10,650 (3-5 days)
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Limited Liability Partnership: KSh 25,000 (1 day)
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Foreign Company: KSh 7,550 (3-5 days)
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Unlimited Company: KSh 20,050
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Company by Guarantee: KSh 10,000 (3 days post-vetting)
Name search costs KSh 950 separately if done standalone. Always verify the final eCitizen invoice before M-Pesa payment, as it represents the official amount payable.
Self-Registration vs Professional Services
DIY registration totals KSh 10,650-15,000 including minor extras like stamp duty. This suits tech-savvy entrepreneurs comfortable with eCitizen navigation.
Professional services (lawyers/agents) range KSh 20,000-45,000+. Breakdown:
| Service Level | Total Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget agents | KSh 20,000-25,000 | Basic filing + name search |
| Mid-tier firms | KSh 30,000-40,000 | Legal review + compliance |
| Full-service | KSh 45,000+ | Tax setup + KRA PIN |
Professionals handle Memorandum of Association drafting, director vetting, and post-registration steps like CR12 issuance (KSh 650).
Step-by-Step Timeline
Complete registration typically spans 3-7 business days:
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Day 1: Name search/reservation (instant-24hrs, KSh 950)
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Day 1-2: Prepare/submit CR1, CR2, CR8 forms via eCitizen
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Day 3-5: BRS processing and Certificate of Incorporation issuance
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Day 6-7: Optional KRA PIN, NHIF/NSSF (1-2 days each)
Peak periods (January, post-budget) extend timelines to 7-10 days. Weekends/holidays pause processing.
Additional Post-Registration Costs
Beyond incorporation, budget for:
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CR12 Official Search: KSh 650 (instant/banks require)
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KRA PIN: Free (1-3 days post-submission)
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Business Permit: KSh 5,000-30,000 annually (Nairobi County)
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NHIF/NSSF: Mandatory payroll registration (free setup)
Stamp duty applies to share capital above KSh 5M (KSh 200 per KSh 100,000).
Nairobi-Specific Considerations
Nairobi entrepreneurs face higher county business permits (KSh 15,000-30,000 annually vs KSh 5,000 rural). Single Business Permit processing takes 7-14 days post-registration.
Popular Nairobi locations like Westlands or Kilimani command premium physical address fees for virtual offices (KSh 10,000-25,000/year).
Cost-Saving Strategies
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Use eCitizen directly to avoid agent fees
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Register with minimum share capital (KSh 100 works)
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Bundle KRA PIN during incorporation
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Skip unnecessary name searches (limit to 3 attempts)
Common Pitfalls Adding Cost/Time
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Name rejection: Requires restart (extra KSh 950 x attempts)
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Incomplete directors' details: Delays vetting by 3-5 days
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Missing residential proof: KRA blocks PIN issuance
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Weekend submissions: Processing starts Monday only
2026 Regulatory Updates
No major fee changes announced for 2026. BRS maintains KSh 10,650 baseline for private companies. eCitizen portal upgrades improved mobile compatibility and real-time tracking.
Foreign directors now face streamlined vetting (passport scan + acceptance form FC2/FC4).
Comparison: Company Types by Cost/Speed
| Company Type | Cost (KSh) | Timeline | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Ltd | 10,650 | 3-5 days | Startups, SMEs |
| LLP | 25,000 | 1 day | Partnerships |
| Foreign | 7,550 | 3-5 days | Branches |
| Public Ltd | 10,650 | 3-5 days | Investors |
Practical Example: Nairobi Appliance Repair Ltd
Total timeline: 5 business days
Total cost: KSh 28,500
Day 1: Name search (KSh 950) ✓ Day 2: Submit CR1/2/8 (KSh 10,650) ✓ Day 4: Certificate issued ✓ Day 5: KRA PIN + CR12 (KSh 650) ✓ Professional fee: KSh 15,000 Nairobi permit: KSh 1,250/month
Final Recommendations
Budget KSh 25,000 for smooth private limited registration in Nairobi including professional help. Allow 7 business days total timeline accounting for county permits. Track application via eCitizen dashboard and save all payment receipts.
