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Deadline for non-compliant Link Business applications

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Deadline for non-compliant Link Business applications

Linking a business is the process of converting physical company records into a digital format that will later be accessible on the Companies Registry online portal. This can be undertaken by a company director, director-shareholder or company secretary.

31 Jul 2025 2 min read Corporate & Commercial Alert Article

At a glance

  • Linking a business is the process of converting physical company records into a digital format that will later be accessible on the Companies Registry online portal.
  • On 14 July 2025, the Business Registration Service issued a public notice mandating that, effective 14 August 2025, certain categories of applications will be archived within the system.
  • Entities with pending draft Link Business applications from 2017 to 2024, or those with Link Business applications from 2017 to 2021 awaiting corrections, are strongly advised to either submit their draft applications or promptly address the correction requests.

During the linking process, the applicant is required to accurately input the particulars of the company, including details of its directors, shareholders, beneficial owners and company secretary. This information is then verified against the data/information that is held by the Registrar of Companies to ensure accuracy and consistency.

When the details have been verified, the business is successfully linked, and the company is verified. Subsequently, the directors, shareholders and company secretary are granted full access to the company’s digital records.

Non-compliant link business applications

On 14 July 2025, the Business Registration Service issued a public notice mandating that, effective 14 August 2025, the following categories of applications will be archived within the system:

  • Link Business applications that have remained in a “draft” status from 2017 to 2024.
  • Link Business applications pending corrections between 2017 and 2021 but which have not been acted upon.

What is the effect of a company being archived?

This directive is designed to enhance efficiency at the Companies Registry. Its primary objectives are to ensure that records of registered entities are current and accurate, and to free up system resources, thereby improving accessibility for new applicants who are submitting applications in compliance with the provisions of the Companies Act, CAP 486.

Entities with pending draft Link Business applications from 2017 to 2024, or those with Link Business applications from 2017 to 2021 awaiting corrections, are strongly advised to either submit their draft applications or promptly address the correction requests. Failure to do so by the stipulated deadline will result in the application being archived, rendering it inaccessible for further review and submission.

Action required for link business applications

If you have a Link Business application that’s currently in draft status from 2017 to 2024 or an application from 2017 to 2021 that’s awaiting corrections, it’s crucial to act immediately by taking the necessary steps to ensure your company’s records are properly linked and verified. Failure to submit your draft or respond to correction requests by the deadline, the application will become unavailable for review and submission as it would be archived.

For any assistance, questions or inquiries, please send an email to alex.muchira@cdhlegal.com and yvonne.njuguna@cdhlegal.com

The information and material published on this website is provided for general purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We make every effort to ensure that the content is updated regularly and to offer the most current and accurate information. Please consult one of our lawyers on any specific legal problem or matter. We accept no responsibility for any loss or damage, whether direct or consequential, which may arise from reliance on the information contained in these pages. Please refer to our full terms and conditions. Copyright © 2025 Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr. All rights reserved. For permission to reproduce an article or publication, please contact us cliffedekkerhofmeyr@cdhlegal.com.

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