How to Register a Business Name in Kenya (2026): Cost, Steps & Documents
Register your sole proprietorship or partnership yourself on eCitizen for about KES 950 — in about a day. The exact 2026 steps, the documents you need, and the free tools to invoice, brand and get paid once you're registered.
You do not need to pay an agent KES 3,000–10,000 to register a business name. You can do it yourself on eCitizen for about KES 950, and it is usually approved within a day. Here is exactly how — and how to decide whether a business name or a limited company is the right thing to register.
What you’ll need
- Your National ID or passport (you must be 18+)
- Your KRA PIN certificate
- A passport-size photo
- 3–5 proposed business names, in order of preference
- about KES 950, payable by M-Pesa or card
Step by step
- Go to ecitizen.go.ke, log in (or register with your National ID and phone), and open the Business Registration Service (BRS).
- Run a name search with your 3–5 names and reserve the approved one. Reservation costs KES 150 and is approved in 1–2 business days.
- Once a name is approved, start the Registration of a Business Name application. Enter the particulars: nature of business, physical and postal address, and proprietor details.
- Upload your ID/passport, passport photo, and KRA PIN certificate.
- Pay so the total comes to about KES 950, via M-Pesa or card, on eCitizen.
- Once approved, download your Certificate of Registration (PDF) and keep it — that is your proof.
That’s it. You’re a registered business.
Cost & timeline at a glance
- Cost: about KES 950 in total on eCitizen (reservation + registration).
- Timeline: name reservation 1–2 days; registration usually within a business day of submitting.
- Name reservation validity: 30 days — register within that window.
Now that you’re registered — the free tools to run it
A certificate is step one. Here is the free stack to actually trade under your new name, look professional, and get paid:
Bill your clients
Invoice Generator →
Send clean, professional invoices under your registered business name — free, no sign-up.
Get paid
M-Pesa Till vs Paybill →
Which one your new business should use, who pays the charge, and how to register it.
Look the part
Logo Maker →
Give your business a clean logo for your invoices, signage and social pages.
Plan & pitch
Business Plan Builder →
Turn the idea into a plan you can take to a bank, a SACCO or an investor.
Don’t forget the tax side
Once registered, keep your KRA obligations current — an unfiled return can block your Tax Compliance Certificate later, which you’ll need for tenders and contracts.
No income yet?
File KRA nil returns — free →
If the business earned nothing this year, here's how to file nil yourself in three minutes.
Earning?
KRA Tax Calculator →
PAYE, VAT and rental income worked out on current KRA rates.
Frequently asked
Business name or limited company — which do I need?
A business name (sole proprietorship or partnership) is the fastest and cheapest way to trade under an official name — ideal for a solo hustle, shop or freelancer. A limited company (Ltd) is a separate legal person that protects your personal assets and can more easily raise capital or hold big contracts, but it costs more and has more compliance. If you just need to invoice clients and open a business account, a business name is usually enough.
How much does it really cost?
About KES 950 in total on eCitizen — that combines the KES 150 name reservation and the registration fee. Agents who charge you KES 3,000–10,000 are charging for convenience, not for the registration itself. You can do it yourself.
Do I need a KRA PIN first?
Yes — have your personal KRA PIN ready. A sole proprietorship trades under your own KRA PIN; you do not get a separate one. A limited company gets its own PIN after incorporation.
How long does it take?
The name reservation is approved in 1–2 business days, and the registration itself is usually approved within a business day of submitting. Budget a few days end to end.
Does a business name protect me from liability?
No. With a sole proprietorship there is no legal separation between you and the business — your personal assets are exposed to business debts. If that matters for your line of work, register a limited company instead.
How long is my name reservation valid?
A reserved name is held for 30 days. Complete the registration within that window or you may have to reserve it again.
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