How to Register a Business in Kenya with the BRS (2026 Guide)

The verdict in three sentences

In Kenya in 2026, registering a company goes through the BRS (Business Registration Service) on eCitizen, an almost fully online one-stop platform for name search, registration and the KRA PIN. A sole proprietorship is quick and cheap; a limited company (Ltd) costs about KES 10,650 with a 1-3 day turnaround. The KRA PIN is free and the minimum capital is symbolic — the hurdle isn't cost but preparing your documents.

Sole proprietorship or limited company?

The choice shapes your liability, taxation and credibility. A sole proprietorship is fast and cheap but merges your personal assets with the business. A limited company protects your personal wealth and reassures clients and banks, at the cost of more formalities.

The steps on the BRS/eCitizen

• Name search and reservation (~KES 150). 2. Prepare details: directors, shareholders, registered office. 3. Submit registration with IDs, KRA PINs and the memorandum. 4. Receive the certificate of incorporation. 5. Register the company KRA PIN and, if hiring, NSSF/NHIF. The one-stop platform means you don't run between offices — everything is centralized online.

Kenya (BRS) vs Cameroon (CFCE) comparison

For the diaspora or entrepreneurs comparing jurisdictions, here are 2026 orders of magnitude. In Cameroon, registration goes through the CFCE one-stop window, part physical and part online.

These amounts are 2026 estimates (orders of magnitude); notary fees for a SARL and professional charges vary by provider.

Mini case study

Serge, a developer in Nairobi, launches his web agency. He hesitates between sole proprietorship and Ltd. Since he targets B2B clients and public tenders, he chooses the Ltd. Real costs:

• Name search: ~KES 150
• Company registration: ~KES 10,650
• KRA PIN: free
• Total spent: ~KES 10,800, file completed in 3 days online. With a limited-company status, he lands an institutional contract in his second month that a sole proprietor would not have inspired.

FAQ

Is the KRA PIN really free in Kenya? Yes, obtaining the KRA PIN is free on eCitizen/iTax. The costs relate to the name search and the company registration itself.

What minimum capital for a limited company in 2026? The minimum capital is symbolic: you can start with a modest, partially paid amount. It's no longer a barrier.

Can I do everything online? In Kenya, yes — the BRS on eCitizen is almost fully online, typically completed in 1-3 days. In Cameroon, the SARL notarial deed remains physical.

How long until I'm operational? Expect 1-3 days for a Kenyan Ltd via BRS, versus 72 hours to 2 weeks for a Cameroonian SARL depending on the notary and document completeness.

Do I need a website right at registration? Not mandatory, but a showcase site (from 250,000 FCFA) instantly gives credibility to your brand-new registration with clients and banks.

Become a referrer while you set up your company

As you register your business, you meet other entrepreneurs who need a website. The Kolonell referral program pays you for each introduction: showcase 15 % + 5 % recurring, e-commerce 12 %, marketplace 10 %, institutional 8 %. An excellent income supplement right from launch.

Let's talk about your project. We support you from registration to your website, and open the referral program to you. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.