Kenya
Corporate Guide

What is the process of setting up a company in Kenya?

The process of incorporating a company in Kenya involves the following steps:

1. Preparation of the company incorporation documents, which include: 
   • A company registration form (Form CR1)
   • Memorandum (Form CR2) (or Form CR3 for a company limited by guarantee)
   • Notice of residential address of a director (Form CR8)
   • Statement of nominal capital
   • Register of beneficial ownership (Form BOF1)
   • Notice of appointment of secretary and secretary's particulars (Form CR10) 
   • Notice of residential address of a company secretary (Form CR12)
2. Once the incorporation documents have been completed, the company incorporation application is submitted to the Registrar of Companies through the e-Citizen platform. The application must indicate at least three names for the proposed entity in order of priority. The application is finalised by paying the applicable fee.
3. Subject to availability, the Registrar reserves a name (from among the submitted names) for use by the proposed company after conducting an availability search. If none of the names are available for a reservation the applicant is requested to provide additional names for consideration. 
4. The Registrar reviews the incorporation application and, if satisfactory, the application is approved.
5. Upon approval, a certificate of incorporation is issued together with the initial official search confirming the directors and shareholders of the company as well as its registered office.