The verdict in three sentences
In Kenya, the eCitizen portal registers a Business Name in 1 to 2 days for roughly KSh 950 to 1,050. A Business Name or sole proprietorship is the fastest route for a freelancer, before moving to a Private Limited Company as you grow. The trigger is the registration certificate + KRA PIN that unlocks a business M-Pesa Till/Paybill and legal invoicing.
Legal forms and eCitizen costs
eCitizen and the BRS handle registration, and the KRA issues the PIN. 2026 orders of magnitude.
| Legal form | Registration fee (2026 order) | Timeline | Liability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Name | KSh 950 - 1,050 | 1 - 2 days | Unlimited |
| Sole proprietorship | KSh 950 - 1,050 | 1 - 2 days | Unlimited |
| Private Ltd (1 owner) | KSh 10,000 - 12,000 | 3 - 7 days | Limited to shares |
| Private Ltd (multiple) | KSh 10,650 - 15,000 | 3 - 7 days | Limited to shares |
| PLC | KSh 20,000+ | 7 - 15 days | Limited to shares |
The flat KSh 950 - 1,050 fee for a Business Name makes formalization very accessible for a first activity.
Required documents and business M-Pesa
The file is filed on eCitizen. Prepare these items.
| Step | Document / action | Indicative cost |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | National ID / passport | KSh 0 |
| Name search | Availability check | KSh 150 |
| Address | Postal / physical address | KSh 0 |
| Certificate | Registration certificate | included in fee |
| KRA PIN | Tax ID | KSh 0 |
| Business account | M-Pesa Till / Paybill | KSh 0, KYC 24-72 h |
With the certificate and KRA PIN, you open an M-Pesa Till or Paybill, with collection fees around 1 - 1.5 %.
Mini case study
Nadege, a graphic designer in Nairobi, registers a Business Name: fee KSh 1,050, timeline 48 h. She opens an M-Pesa Till and becomes a referral partner for Kolonell. She refers a showcase site at KSh 90,000: a 15 % commission, i.e. KSh 13,500, plus 5 % recurring. Her KSh 1,050 registration is recouped thirteen times on the first contract. She then invoices her own design work with no risk.
Become a Kolonell referral partner
Once registered, join the Kolonell referral program. The 2026 rates:
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| Referred project type | Sale commission | Recurring |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase site | 15 % | 5 % |
| E-commerce | 12 % | 5 % |
| Marketplace | 10 % | - |
| Institutional | 8 % | - |
An institutional project at KSh 1,800,000 earns the partner KSh 144,000 in commission.
FAQ
How much does eCitizen registration cost in 2026?
The flat fee for a Business Name is around KSh 950 - 1,050, plus a small name-search fee of about KSh 150.
How long does registration take in Kenya?
eCitizen targets 1 to 2 days for a complete Business Name file. A Private Ltd can take 3 to 7 days.
Do I need a KRA PIN?
Yes, the KRA PIN is required to invoice legally and to open a business M-Pesa. It is issued free of charge.
Business Name vs Private Ltd?
A Business Name exposes personal assets; a Private Ltd caps liability at shares but costs KSh 10,000+.
How do I collect my referral commissions?
Via an M-Pesa Till or Paybill, opened free with your certificate, KYC in 24 to 72 h.
Let's talk about your project. Register on eCitizen then monetize your network with us. 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.
