Quick answer: Register on eCitizen through the Business Registration Service (BRS). A business name (sole proprietorship or partnership) is the simplest and cheapest, roughly KSh 1,000; a private limited company costs more (around KSh 10,000+) but separates your personal and business liability. Confirm the current fees on eCitizen before paying. After registering, get a county business permit and keep your KRA tax obligations.
Business Name vs Limited Company
| Business name | Private limited company | |
|---|---|---|
| Owners | 1 (sole) or partners | 1 or more shareholders |
| Liability | You are personally liable | Company is a separate legal person |
| Cost (approx.) | About KSh 1,000 | About KSh 10,000+ |
| Tax PIN | Uses your personal KRA PIN | Company gets its own KRA PIN |
| Best for | Small shops, freelancers, side hustles | Growing businesses, tenders, investors |
Fees change; always confirm on eCitizen.
Steps to Register a Business Name
- Create or log in to your eCitizen account.
- Open the Business Registration Service.
- Search and reserve a business name (have 2–3 options).
- Fill in owner details, business activity and address.
- Pay via M-Pesa or card on eCitizen.
- Download your certificate once approved.
After Registering
- County single business permit for your premises.
- KRA: file returns and consider turnover tax if eligible (see our KRA PIN guide).
- Bank or M-Pesa till in the business name (see our till guide).
- Sector licences where needed (food handling, KEBS for packaged products, etc.).
Why Register?
- Customers and suppliers trust you more.
- You can open a business bank account and till.
- You can apply for tenders, loans and youth funds.
- You protect your business name.
Starting With Little Capital?
Test your idea before spending on premises: sell online in a free Buy More Mall shop, or, for a group business, compare machines that earn daily such as milk, water and cooking oil ATMs at youth group business ideas.
Example: Registering a Cleaning Business
Two friends start a cleaning service. They choose a business name (partnership) on eCitizen because it is quick and affordable, open a business account and till, and get a county permit for their small office. When they start bidding for bigger office contracts, they plan to register a limited company.
Quick Checklist
- Business type chosen
- Name searched and reserved
- Certificate downloaded
- County permit
- KRA obligations noted
Your First 30 Days
- Week 1: decide business name vs company; list 3 name options.
- Week 2: register on eCitizen and get your certificate.
- Week 3: apply for the county permit and open a till/bank account.
- Week 4: set up records: sales, expenses and tax dates.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Paying middlemen for what you can do on eCitizen.
- Picking a name too similar to another business.
- Forgetting the county permit.
- Ignoring KRA returns (penalties add up).
Stay safe: never pay a "registration", "activation" or "withdrawal" fee to get paid, and never share your password or M-Pesa PIN. Real online income comes from people paying for your content, products or skills.
Create your free Stay Home Network account, or log in with H-MAIL on app.stayhomenetwork.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to register a business in Kenya?
A business name is roughly KSh 1,000 and a private limited company about KSh 10,000+; confirm on eCitizen.
Can I register a business online in Kenya?
Yes, on eCitizen through the Business Registration Service.
How long does business registration take?
Often a few working days if details are correct.
Do I need a KRA PIN to register a business?
Yes, owners need a KRA PIN.
Do I still need a county permit?
Yes, a county business permit is needed to operate premises.
Can I change a business name to a company later?
Yes; many owners start with a business name and register a limited company when they grow.
Cover photo: Filling in registration paperwork. Photo: February 5, 2010 - Paperwork by nerdcoregirl, CC BY-SA 2.0.
