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Validation required: Change in officials

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Validation required: Change in officials

The Registrar of Companies (Registrar) has recently introduced verification mechanisms for companies making applications related to changes in officials, such as resignations of directors and transfers of shares. The aim of this requirement is to curb fraudulent changes being made to companies’ official information.

15 Jan 2026 2 min read Corporate & Commercial Alert Article

At a glance

  • The Registrar of Companies has introduced verification mechanisms for companies making applications related to changes in officials, such as resignations of directors and transfers of shares.
  • The aim of this requirement is to stop fraudulent changes being made to companies’ information and to prevent people’s information being used in company appointments without their consent.

As part of the enhanced safeguards, the Registrar has implemented authentication measures such as:

  • Email confirmation: the respective official receives an email from the Registrar to their registered email address to confirm the changes submitted at the Companies Registry.
  • Virtual meeting verification: the respective official is required to attend a virtual meeting, provide identification documents, and confirm the changes submitted at the Companies Registry.
  • Physical meeting verification: the respective official attends a physical meeting at the Companies Registry to confirm the changes submitted.

On 13 January 2026, the Registrar issued a public notice introducing a new automated validation system for updating information about company officials. This directive is designed to enhance efficiency and authenticate the changes submitted to the Companies Registry.

How does the automated validation process work?

The enhanced process enables end-to-end automation for confirming the appointment of new directors, resignation of directors, and transfer of shares through multi-factor authentication using a one-time password (OTP).

Importance of the validation process

This validation process plays a critical role in safeguarding public investments in shares and in mitigating risks associated with identity theft and fraudulent filings.

In addition, the requirement for prior confirmation by individuals being appointed as directors supports the protection of personal data in accordance with the Data Protection Act, 2019, by ensuring that personal information is not used to effect company appointments without the individual’s knowledge or consent.

Comments

The Registrar advises all stakeholders to take note of and comply with the enhanced automated validation requirements when making changes to company officials. This initiative aligns with the Business Registration Services’ role of promoting transparency, protecting personal data, and safeguarding public investments.

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

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