Register a company in Kenya (BRS): the 2026 process

The verdict in three sentences

Kenya's Business Registration Service (BRS), accessed through the eCitizen portal, registers a private limited company in one to three days. The cost sits around 10 000 KES, with only a nominal capital requirement and no large mandatory deposit. A KRA PIN (from the Kenya Revenue Authority) is the counterpart to the registration certificate and is essential to invoice and contract with public bodies.

BRS and eCitizen: one of Africa's most digitised registries

Kenya has pushed digitisation further than most, routing company registration entirely through the eCitizen platform. You reserve a name, complete the CR forms online, upload directors' IDs and pay by mobile money or card. In practice, a clean filing is often approved within one to three working days, making Nairobi one of the fastest capitals on the continent for incorporation.

The KRA PIN is the tax counterpart. It appears on your invoices, unlocks VAT registration and is required to bid on public contracts. No PIN, no legal invoicing.

Steps, timelines and costs in Kenya (2026)

With low fees and a nominal capital, BRS is well suited to digital startups and service providers who need to formalise quickly.

Kenya vs Côte d'Ivoire: two attractiveness models

Both countries compete on speed, but Kenya pushes digitisation further through eCitizen, while Côte d'Ivoire keeps a high-performing physical one-stop shop.

Mini case study

Wanjiru, a freelance developer in Nairobi, lands a maintenance contract with an SME that requires a KRA PIN on invoices. She registers a private limited company with a nominal share capital. She pays about 10 000 KES in registration fees. She files on Monday and receives her certificate and PIN on Wednesday: she signs a contract worth 1 800 000 KES shortly after. The registration cost is well under 1% of that first contract.

FAQ

Is there a large minimum capital in Kenya?

No. A nominal share capital is declared, with no large mandatory cash deposit for a standard private company. You can start with a modest capital figure, which lowers the barrier to entry.

How fast is BRS registration?

With a complete online filing, one to three working days is common. Delays usually stem from a rejected name or a missing director's ID.

Can everything be done online?

Yes. eCitizen handles name reservation, the CR forms, payment and issuance of the certificate. You rarely need to visit a physical office for a standard company.

Do I need an accountant from day one?

Not strictly at launch, but a limited company carries accounting and tax obligations. A monthly accounting package avoids penalties and keeps your KRA filings compliant.

Is the certificate enough to invoice?

The certificate of incorporation and the KRA PIN are the two essentials. An invoice must carry these references to be enforceable against the tax authority.

Let's talk about your project. Once your BRS certificate is in hand, Kolonell delivers the showcase or e-commerce site that brings in your first Kenyan clients. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.