How to Register a Business in Kenya

Many people are wondering how they can easily register a company in Kenya. The article is aimed at helping you understand the process of business or company registration in Kenya. Since there are many benefits of registering a company or business, entrepreneurs should formalize their business so that they can take advantage of opportunities. Some of the benefits of having a registered company or business are access to higher credit facilities and winning government tenders. Companies can also easily brand and take advantage of huge market share. It is advocated, therefore, to register a business or a company.

The following are the steps you take to register a business;

• Business idea

Come up with a business idea. The business idea will inform you which industry you will engage in. Besides, it will guide you during application when choosing the industry and even the name of the business.

• Register with e-citizen

Make sure your e-citizen account is active and where you don’t have an active account, register one. The process of registering an e-citizen account is instant. The e-citizen account is the one you will use during the application.

• Register an email address

Register an email address that will be dedicated to the business or company. There are different platforms for one to get an email account but most people nowadays prefer a Gmail account. The reason for a dedicated email account is because you have already used your active email while registering with personal KRA pin certificate. You cannot, therefore, use it again for any KRA-related activities since one email account is only used once.

• Choose six possible names

Choose six possible names for your business. Arrange the names in the order in which one you prefer the most. The arrangement will help you to have the most preferred name approved.

• Start the registration process

Start the registration process by logging into your e-citizen account. Then click the business registration service portal and log in. Once you open, go to the application and choose the type of entity you want to register. Choose whether it is a business name, company, partnership, etc. Once you choose, start providing the information required. When you are done, download and sign all the documents generated. All documents signed should be scanned, uploaded, and submitted.

• Make the payment

Depending on the type of entity you are applying for, e-citizen will generate an invoice. Pay the invoiced amount and submit it. Wait for the business registration service official to approve. In case of any amendment, the officials will contact you through the e-citizen system and notify you of the amendments you will be required to make. If there will be no amendment, your application will be approved. Once approved, you will log into the portal and download the registration certificate. For these services or any professional advice, contact us today.