The verdict in three sentences
Kenya's Business Registration Service (BRS) centralises registration through the eCitizen portal — getting it right avoids weeks of delay. For a solo digital worker, a business name (sole proprietorship) registers for around KES 950 in a few days; a limited company protects you better but costs more and takes about a week. Your choice of structure shapes your starting tax obligations and your credibility with institutional clients.
The BRS steps (2026 order of magnitude)
The eCitizen portal groups the administrations. The key is arriving with a complete file so you don't loop back and forth.
| Step | Content | Indicative delay |
|---|---|---|
| Name search & reservation | Reserve on eCitizen | 1 – 2 days |
| File submission | ID, details, CR forms | Day 0 |
| Registration (BN or company) | Business name or incorporation | 1 – 7 days |
| KRA PIN | Tax identification number | Same day – 48 h |
| Certificate collection | Certificate + CR12 | 3 days – 1 week |
For a digital business, a business name is often enough to start; a limited company becomes useful as soon as you target public tenders or corporate clients.
Cost and tax regime by structure
The structure directly affects your starting cash and the applicable tax regime.
| Structure | Registration cost (est. KES) | Capital | Starting tax regime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business name (sole prop) | ~950 | None | Turnover tax / individual |
| One-person limited company | ~10,650 | Flexible | Corporate tax |
| Standard limited company | 10,650 – 25,000 | Per articles | Corporate tax + VAT if over threshold |
Turnover tax applies to small revenues; above the VAT registration threshold, full accounting and VAT become mandatory. Anticipate this shift in your business plan.
Which structure for a referral partner or micro-agency
If you start as a referral partner before setting up a full structure, a business name is enough to invoice your commissions. The Kolonell referral partner program lets you generate revenue before investing in a limited company.
| Referred pole | Sale commission | Recurring |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase | 15% | 5% / month |
| E-commerce | 12% | 5% / month |
| Marketplace | 10% | per contract |
| Institutional | 8% | per contract |
Concretely, a few showcase referrals (75,000 to 180,000 FCFA each) easily cover the modest cost of registering a business name and the first months of operation. You then incorporate a limited company once volume justifies it.
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Mini case study
Eric, in Nairobi, wants to launch his web business. He starts with a business name: about KES 950 in fees, file submitted on eCitizen, certificate collected in 4 days. In parallel, he becomes a Kolonell referral partner and brings in 2 showcase sites (2 × 75,000 = 150,000 FCFA) and one e-commerce store (240,000 FCFA) within the quarter. Result: 390,000 FCFA earned, his registration repaid on the first deal, and enough cash to incorporate a limited company when he starts targeting corporate clients.
FAQ
How much does BRS registration cost in Kenya?
As a 2026 order of magnitude: around KES 950 for a business name, and roughly KES 10,650 upward for a limited company depending on form and articles. The BRS groups the formalities on the eCitizen portal.
How long does registration take?
From 1 to 7 days for the registration itself. Name reservation takes 1 to 2 days, the KRA PIN is often issued within 48 hours, and certificate collection can take up to a week if the file is complete.
Is there a minimum capital for a limited company?
Capital is flexible in Kenya: you can start with a nominal amount. A business name requires no minimum capital at all.
What tax regime applies at the start?
Small structures fall under turnover tax or the individual regime. Above the VAT registration threshold, full accounting and VAT become mandatory — anticipate this in your business plan.
Can I start as a referral partner before incorporating?
Yes. A business name is enough to invoice referral commissions. The Kolonell referral program (15% showcase, 12% e-commerce, 10% marketplace, 8% institutional) generates revenue before any major investment.
Let's talk about your project. We support digital entrepreneurs in Kenya, from choosing a structure to earning their first referral commissions. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
