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CorporateUpdated 2 min read

How to register a company in Kenya: a founder’s guide

A practical walk-through of registering a private limited company — from name reservation and beneficial ownership to the filings people forget.

By Wakili Link Editorial

Registering a company in Kenya is faster and cheaper than it used to be, but the process still trips up founders who treat it as a pure formality. Here is what actually matters.

Reserve the name first

Name reservation through the Business Registration Service takes a day or two. Pick two or three options — names that are too close to an existing company or a registered trademark will be rejected. A reservation holds the name for 30 days.

Get the KRA PINs in order

At least one director or the company secretary needs a valid KRA PIN before you can file. Foreign directors can obtain a PIN, but it takes longer, so start early if your cap table is international.

Beneficial ownership is not optional

Since 2020 every company must file a register of beneficial owners — the natural persons who ultimately own or control 10% or more, or who exercise significant influence. This is filed at incorporation and must be kept up to date. Missing or inaccurate filings carry penalties and can freeze other registry transactions.

The documents you will end up needing

  • A clear statement of nominal share capital and how shares are split
  • A shareholders' agreement if there is more than one founder — do this now, not "later"
  • A registered office address (a physical address, not just a PO box)
  • Statutory registers: members, directors, charges and beneficial owners

After incorporation

Register for the taxes that apply to you (VAT, PAYE, and so on), open the bank account, and diarise your annual return. A company that files nothing for years is expensive to rescue.

A corporate advocate can handle the filing, draft the constitutive documents and set up the beneficial ownership register for you — agree the scope and fee with them before they start.

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This article is general information, not legal advice on your situation. If you need advice, describe your matter on Wakili Link and we will match you with a verified advocate who handles it.

This article is general information current at the date of publication, not legal advice. For advice on your situation, get in touch.

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    How to register a company in Kenya: a founder’s guide