How to Register a Business Name in Kenya (2026): eCitizen Steps, Cost and Documents

Oct 19, 2026

Buy More Mall Kenya

A registered business name lets you trade under a brand, open a business bank account, apply for a Lipa na M-Pesa till in the business name and win bigger customers who want an invoice from a registered business. The whole process is online.

Quick answer: Register through the Business Registration Service (BRS) on eCitizen: log in, choose business name registration, propose a few names in order of preference, enter the owner's details and business nature, upload your ID, then pay. The fee has been about KSh 950 (confirm the amount on your eCitizen invoice). Approval often takes from a day to about a week, and you download the certificate from eCitizen.

Business Name vs Limited Company

	Business name (sole proprietor / partnership)	Limited company
Legal person	No: you are the business	Yes: separate from owners
Liability	Personal	Limited to the company
Tax PIN	Uses the owner's personal KRA PIN	Company gets its own PIN
Cost and admin	Low	Higher (registration, annual returns)
Good for	Small traders, freelancers, shops	Growing businesses, tenders, investors

What You Need

An eCitizen account (Kenyan ID).
KRA PIN of each owner (how to get a KRA PIN).
Two or three name options, in order of preference.
A short description of what the business does.
Physical address and contact details.
M-Pesa or card to pay.

Step by Step on eCitizen

Log in to eCitizen and open the Business Registration Service.
Choose registration of a business name (sole proprietorship or partnership).
Enter your proposed names in order of preference. Avoid names that are too similar to existing businesses or that use restricted words.
Fill in the nature of business, address and owner details.
Upload the documents asked for (usually ID copies and a passport photo).
Submit, check the invoice and pay.
Track the application under your applications and download the certificate when approved.

Choosing a Good Business Name

Pick a name that is short, easy to spell when said over the phone, and says something about what you do or who you serve. Search it on Google and social media before applying, so you do not clash with an existing brand, and check whether the matching social handles are free. Avoid limiting names (for example a town name if you plan to sell countrywide).

After Registration

Get a county single business permit if you trade from premises.
Open a business bank account and a Lipa na M-Pesa till (how to accept M-Pesa).
Use the name on your signboard, invoices, Google Maps and online shop.
File your returns on time under your personal PIN.

Note: fees, required documents and timelines are set by the Business Registration Service and can change. Always confirm on eCitizen before paying, and use only the official eCitizen portal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Paying agents for something you can do yourself online.
Choosing a name very close to an existing business.
Forgetting the county business permit.
Mixing personal and business money after registering.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to register a business name in Kenya?

It has been about KSh 950 on eCitizen; confirm the current fee on your invoice.

How long does it take to register a business name in Kenya?

Often from a day to about a week after payment, depending on the name check.

Can I register a business name online?

Yes, through the Business Registration Service on eCitizen.

Does a business name get its own KRA PIN?

No. A business name uses the owner's personal KRA PIN; a limited company gets its own.

Do I need a registered business to sell online?

Not to start, but it helps with trust, banking and bigger customers.

Cover photo: Fish and chip shops, Moi Avenue (Nairobi), 2025 (01).jpg by Bahnfrend, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped.

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