The verdict in three sentences
The eCitizen / BRS online portal lets you register a limited company in Kenya in 1 to 2 days for around 10,500 KES. You obtain a certificate of incorporation and a KRA PIN (tax ID), the documents that unlock a corporate account and tenders. Following the online path cuts delays and intermediary costs, often overcharged by 30,000 KES.
Legal structures and their costs
eCitizen centralizes formalities once split between the registrar, the tax authority and the pension body. Here are the 2026 ballpark figures.
| Legal structure | Minimum capital | Registration fee (estimate) | Delay | Members |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sole proprietorship | None | 1,000 - 1,500 KES | 1 day | 1 |
| Private limited (LTD) | Free | 10,000 - 10,650 KES | 1-2 days | 1+ |
| LLP | None | 25,000 KES | 2-3 days | 2+ |
| Company limited by guarantee | None | 10,000+ KES | 5-10 days | 3+ |
| Public company (PLC) | Higher | 300,000+ KES | 5-10 days | 2+ |
Since reform, the minimum capital of an LTD is free to set, making formation accessible without tying up funds.
Documents and steps of the online portal
The eCitizen path gathers all formalities. Here is what you get and the key thresholds.
| Item | 2026 detail | What it's for |
|---|---|---|
| KRA PIN | Tax identifier | Invoicing, taxes |
| Certificate | Certificate of incorporation | Proof of legal existence |
| Articles | To draft (BRS template) | Governance |
| VAT registration | Turnover threshold ~5 M KES | Charge VAT (16 %) |
| Business mobile account | M-Pesa Business (Paybill/Till) | Collect in the company name |
| NSSF/NHIF filing | On hiring | Social protection |
With the KRA PIN in hand, open a business mobile account (M-Pesa Paybill or Till) to collect in the company name and separate personal from business flows.
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Mini case study
Ibrahim, who runs a hardware store in Nairobi, works informally. He registers an LTD via eCitizen: 10,500 KES, 2-day delay. He opens an M-Pesa Till, wins a supply contract for a construction site (which requires certificate + KRA PIN) worth 1.2 M KES, and now charges VAT cleanly. The 10,500 KES invested pays for itself on the first order.
FAQ
How much does eCitizen registration cost? Budget around 10,500 KES for a private limited company via the online portal, all in. A sole proprietorship costs only 1,000-1,500 KES.
How long does formation take? 1 to 2 days for an LTD, 1 day for a sole proprietorship. An LLP or company limited by guarantee takes 2 to 10 days.
Is the LTD minimum capital really free? Yes, the share capital of an LTD is freely set by the members, making formation accessible without locking up funds.
Can I do everything online? The eCitizen / BRS portal is designed for a paperless journey. You upload your documents and retrieve the certificate and KRA PIN without a tout overcharging 30,000 KES.
When must I charge VAT? Above the turnover threshold of roughly 5 million KES, VAT registration (16 %) becomes mandatory. Below that, you can stay on the turnover-tax regime.
Let's talk about your project. Once registered, an e-commerce site with M-Pesa payment turns your hardware store into an online shop. 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.
