How to Register a Business Name in Kenya in 2026 (eCitizen BRS Guide)
How to Register a Business Name in Kenya
Registering a business name is the simplest and cheapest way to formalise a small business as a sole proprietor or partnership. It lets you trade under a brand name, open a business bank account and apply for an M-Pesa Paybill or Till, permits and tenders. Everything is done online through the Business Registration Service (BRS) on eCitizen.
Business Name vs Limited Company
A business name is not a separate legal entity - you and the business are legally the same, and you are personally responsible for its debts. A limited company is a separate legal person. Many people start with a business name and incorporate later. See how to register a limited company.
What You Need
- An eCitizen account
- Your national ID and KRA PIN (and those of any partners)
- Two or three proposed names, in order of preference
- A short description of the nature of business
- Your physical and postal address
Cost
About KES 950 in total, covering the name search and registration, paid online.
Step-by-Step
- Log in to eCitizen and open the Business Registration Service.
- Choose Business Name Registration.
- Run a name search with your preferred names. Avoid names identical or too similar to existing businesses or containing restricted words.
- Once a name is approved and reserved, continue to registration.
- Enter the business details: nature of business, address and start date.
- Add the proprietors or partners with their ID and KRA PIN details.
- Pay the fee through M-Pesa (paybill 222222), card or bank.
- Submit and track the application. Approval is often fast; you then download the Certificate of Registration.
After Registration
- Add business income as a source on your KRA PIN and register relevant obligations, such as Turnover Tax.
- Get your county business permit - see how to get a business permit in Nairobi.
- Register for eTIMS to issue tax invoices.
- Open a business bank account and get an M-Pesa Till or Paybill.
- Get a professional online presence: a domain, website and business email.
Common Questions
Can I register a business name for free? No - there is a government fee of about KES 950, paid only on eCitizen. Avoid agents asking for large markups unless you need their help.
Do I need to renew a business name? Business name registration does not require annual renewal like a permit, but keep your details updated with BRS.
Sole Proprietorship vs Partnership
| Feature | Sole proprietorship | Partnership |
|---|---|---|
| Owners | One person | Two or more people |
| Registration | Business name with one proprietor | Business name with partners listed |
| Liability | Owner personally liable | Partners jointly liable |
| Agreement | Not required | A written partnership deed is strongly recommended |
| Tax | Owner declares business income | Each partner declares their share |
If you are going into business with others, put the partnership terms in writing: capital contributions, profit sharing, roles, and what happens when a partner leaves.
Choosing a Name That Gets Approved
The Registrar can reject names that are:
- Identical or too similar to an existing business or company
- Offensive or misleading
- Suggesting a connection with government or a public body without approval
- Containing restricted words such as "bank", "insurance", "university" or "national" without the relevant regulator's approval
Submit two or three options in order of preference to avoid starting again if your first choice is taken.
Timeline at a Glance
| Step | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Name search and reservation | Often the same day |
| Registration submission | 20 to 40 minutes |
| Approval | Usually within a few working days |
| Certificate download | Immediately after approval |
Updating Your Business Details
Changes such as a new address, a new partner or a change in nature of business are filed with BRS on eCitizen. Keep your registration current, because banks, Safaricom and county offices check that details match.
Converting to a Limited Company Later
Many entrepreneurs start with a business name and incorporate once revenue grows, they take on partners or investors, or they need limited liability. You can register a company with a similar name and transfer the business to it. See how to register a limited company.
Common Mistakes
- Registering a name you have not checked against trademarks or social media handles.
- Using personal M-Pesa for business after registering - get a till or Paybill.
- Forgetting tax obligations. Registration does not register your tax obligations automatically.
- Paying inflated agent fees for a process that costs about KES 950 online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register a business name without a KRA PIN? No. Your KRA PIN is required during registration.
Can a business name open a bank account? Yes. Banks open business accounts for registered business names with the certificate and the owner's ID and KRA PIN.
Can I use the business name for tenders? Business names can bid for many tenders, but some require a limited company and additional compliance documents.
Does registering a business name protect it like a trademark? No. Registration prevents identical business names but does not give trademark protection. For brand protection, register a trademark with KIPI.