Company Registration Checklist in Kenya: 21 Essential Documents and Steps for 2025
Starting a private limited company in Kenya? You’re in the right place. Registration is your first step to turning a business idea into a legal powerhouse, but it’s not just about dreaming up a name. You need the proper documents and details to nail it.
Based on the Companies Act, 2015 and the Business Registration Service (BRS) process, this 21-point checklist curated from expert insights covers everything you need to file via brs.go.ke. Whether you’re in Nairobi or Mombasa, get this right, and you’re set for success in 2025. Let’s break it down.
Why Registration Matters Now
The Registrar of Companies demands precision to keep your records legit. This checklist cuts the guesswork, saving you time and cash.
Your 21-Point Registration Checklist
Here’s what you need to register a private limited company in Kenya-documents, forms, and key info:
- Director PIN Certificates
Provide a KRA PIN certificate for at least one director-locals, foreigners don’t need it if a Kenyan director’s PIN is included. For foreigners without a Kenyan director, not obtaining a PIN via itax.kra.go.ke with a Tax Agent Code or work permit could result in the rejection of your application by BRS. - Director IDs or Passports
Submit a clear copy of each director’s ID or passport. No exceptions. - Director Photos
Provide a passport-size photo for each director, which is sharp and recent. - Memorandum of Association
Draft your company’s purpose and structure—use Form CR2 as your guide. - Articles of Association
Outline your company rules. Customise or use the BRS template. - Director Postal Addresses
List each director’s postal address—BRS needs this for contact. - Director Phone Numbers
Include every director’s active phone number—keep it current. - Name Reservation Details
Pick five unique names, ranked. BRS confirms availability post-filing.
- Director Email Addresses
Supply each director’s email—essential for eCitizen updates. - Company Physical & Postal Address
Pinpoint your office location (no P.O. Boxes) and postal code. - Form CR1 – Company Registration
Fill out Form CR1 with company details, such as names, directors, and shares. - Form CR2 – Share Capital Memorandum
Detail your company’s capital structure—mandatory for share-based firms. - Form CR8 – Director Addresses
Notify residential addresses of all directors—keep it precise. - Statement of Nominal Capital
Declare your starting capital (min. KSh 1,000)—bigger looks stronger. - Declaration of Compliance
Sign this before a commissioner of oaths confirms that all’s legit. - Proposed Company Name
Submit your top name choice (plus four backups) in Form CR1. - Registered Office Location
State your office’s physical location, including the exact plot or building name. - Liability Type
Specify if liability is limited by shares or guarantee—most pick shares. - Initial Shareholding Statement
List who owns what shares initially—tie it to Form CR2. - Beneficial Ownership Details
File Form BOF1 with each owner’s name, ID/passport, addresses, phone, email, job, ownership type, and start date—transparency is a must. - Company Email Address
Provide a working company email for BRS notifications.
How Much Does It Cost?
What are the registration fees in 2025? It’s KSh 10,750 flat via eCitizen, covering name approval and filing. But costs can climb with legal help or delays. Want a quote? Contact us- we’ll hook you up fast.
Don’t Trip at the Finish Line
If you miss a PIN or flub Form CR1, you’re back to square one. Kabiri & 3 others v. Kungu [2024] showed sloppy records cost control—don’t let that be you. This checklist is your cheat sheet to breeze through BRS and start strong.
Register With Us Today
Ready to launch? These 21 steps are your roadmap. At Kubwa and Company Advocates, we’ve registered 300+ companies with a 98% BRS success rate. Let’s get you legal and aim for multi-billions in revenue. Please register with us today, and let’s make your business dreams a reality.
Talk to us now by Scheduling a Meeting Here or direct chat on WhatsApp Here or by clicking on the live chat in the bottom right corner.
Should you require more information, please do not hesitate to contact [email protected].
Yuvenalis Kubwa is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a member of the Law Society of Kenya.
About Post Author
