Business Registration Fees in Kenya

Starting a business in Kenya requires proper registration through the Business Registration Service (BRS) on the eCitizen platform. Understanding the applicable registration fees helps entrepreneurs budget effectively and choose the most suitable business structure. Whether you are launching a small enterprise, a partnership, or a company, the registration costs vary depending on the type of entity you choose. Recent fee schedules indicate that most registrations can now be completed entirely online through eCitizen.

Overview of Business Registration Costs

The table below summarizes the common business registration fees in Kenya.

Business Type	Registration Fee (KES)	Processing Time
Sole Proprietorship (Business Name)	950	1–3 Days
Partnership	950	1–3 Days
Private Limited Company	10,650	3–5 Days
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)	25,000	1 Day
Foreign Company	7,550	3–5 Days
Public Limited Company	10,650	3–5 Days
Unlimited Company	20,050	3–5 Days
Company Limited by Guarantee	10,000	Approximately 3 Days

The actual amount payable should always be confirmed through the final invoice generated on the eCitizen platform, as fees may occasionally be updated.

Sole Proprietorship Registration Fees

A sole proprietorship is the most affordable and straightforward business structure in Kenya. It is ideal for freelancers, consultants, online sellers, and small retail businesses. The registration costs typically include:

Item	Fee (KES)
Name Search	150
Registration Fee	800
Total Cost	950

A sole proprietorship does not create a separate legal entity from its owner, meaning the owner remains personally liable for business obligations. Despite this limitation, it remains a popular option due to its low registration cost and ease of administration.

Partnership Registration Fees

Partnerships are suitable for businesses owned by two or more individuals. The official registration fee is similar to that of a sole proprietorship.

Item	Fee (KES)
Name Search and Registration	950
Partnership Deed (Optional Legal Fees)	5,000–30,000
Estimated Total Budget	5,950–30,950

Although a partnership deed is not always mandatory, legal experts strongly recommend having one to clearly define ownership, profit sharing, management responsibilities, and dispute resolution procedures.

Private Limited Company Registration Fees

A private limited company is one of the most preferred structures for growing businesses due to the protection it offers shareholders through limited liability.

Item	Fee (KES)
Company Registration	10,650
CR12 Search (Optional)	650
Stamp Duty	Depends on Share Capital
Professional Assistance	5,000–50,000+

The standard government incorporation fee is approximately KES 10,650. Additional costs may arise depending on the company's share capital, professional assistance required, and post-registration compliance requirements.

Additional Registration Services

Business owners may also incur costs for subsequent changes and official searches.

Service	Fee (KES)
Change of Business Name	800
Change of Company Name	4,000
Change of LLP Name	2,000
Official Search (Company)	650
Official Search (Business Name)	250

These services are commonly used when updating business details, verifying ownership information, or conducting due diligence on registered entities.

Factors That Affect Registration Costs

Several factors can influence the final amount paid during registration:

Type of business structure selected.
Share capital declared for companies.
Professional fees charged by lawyers, company secretaries, or registration agents.
Post-registration requirements such as permits and licenses.
Additional compliance documents required for regulated sectors.

Entrepreneurs should also budget for county business permits, tax registrations, and sector-specific licenses that may be required after registration. These costs vary depending on the nature and location of the business. Business registration in Kenya remains relatively affordable compared to many jurisdictions. A sole proprietorship can be established for less than KES 1,000, while a private limited company can generally be incorporated for approximately KES 10,650 through the eCitizen platform. Choosing the right business structure depends on factors such as liability protection, growth plans, ownership arrangements, and regulatory requirements. Before making a decision, entrepreneurs should evaluate both the registration costs and the long-term compliance obligations associated with each business type.

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