A limited company is the most common business vehicle in Kenya, offering shareholders the protection of limited liability — meaning personal assets are generally insulated from business debts. Companies are registered and regulated by the Business Registration Service (BRS) under the Companies Act, 2015.
Fees and Charges
| Company Type | Registration Fee (KES) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Private Limited Company | 10,650 | 3–5 working days |
| Public Limited Company | 10,650 | 3–5 working days |
| Company Limited by Guarantee | 10,000 | 3 days (after NIS vetting) |
| Unlimited Company | 20,050 | 3–5 working days |
| Foreign Company Registration | 7,550 | 3–5 working days |
| Change of company name | 4,000 | 1 working day |
| Name search (standalone, if required separately) | 150 | 1–2 working days |
The private limited company fee of KES 10,650 covers the incorporation filing, registrar review and processing, and issuance of the digital Certificate of Incorporation. The live eCitizen/BRS portal invoice should be treated as the final payable amount at the time of application, as minor variations can occur.
Key Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| CR1 form | Application for registration |
| CR2 form | Memorandum of Association |
| CR8 form | Directors’ details |
| Statement of Nominal Capital | Share capital declaration |
| Directors and shareholders | Minimum 1 director; minimum 1 shareholder |
| KRA PIN | Mandatory for all directors and shareholders |
| Beneficial ownership details | Required under BRS regulations |
There is no minimum paid-up share capital requirement for a private limited company for registration purposes, though certain regulated sectors (banking, insurance, etc.) impose their own sector-specific capital thresholds. Annual returns must be filed with the BRS.
Regulated by the Business Registration Service (BRS) under the Companies Act, 2015, Laws of Kenya.