- Official BRS fees as at October 2026: business name (sole proprietor or partnership) KES 950, private or public limited company KES 10,650, company limited by guarantee KES 10,000, limited liability partnership KES 25,000.
- The BRS fee schedule lists no separate name reservation charge; official searches after registration cost KES 650 for a company and KES 250 for a business name.
- Stamp duty of 1% applies to increases in nominal share capital; the initial capital of a newly incorporated company is generally exempt, so confirm with KRA whether any duty is due.
- County Single Business Permit fees vary by county, business activity and size, and sector-specific licences are charged on top by each regulator.
- After registration, KRA PIN registration is free; register for VAT if taxable supplies reach KES 5 million in any 12 months, and register with KRA for PAYE and with SHA and NSSF before paying staff.
Starting a business in Kenya is an exciting venture, but understanding the financial and regulatory commitments involved is crucial. One of the first steps any entrepreneur must take is registering their business with the relevant authorities. While company registration is a legal requirement under the Companies Act, 2015, it also involves multiple fees, permits, and post-registration obligations.
Knowing the costs upfront helps business owners budget effectively, avoid unnecessary delays, and ensure full compliance with KRA regulations, county licensing requirements, and other statutory obligations. Costs vary depending on the type of business, company structure, and size of the operation.
This comprehensive guide provides a detailed breakdown of all fees and requirements involved in registering a business in Kenya, using the official Business Registration Service (BRS) fees as at October 2026. It also explains additional costs that may arise for specialised licences, post-registration compliance, and professional advisory services. With guidance from experts like Adamjee Auditors, entrepreneurs can navigate the registration process efficiently while reducing risk and staying compliant.
Understanding the Different Types of Businesses in Kenya
The cost of registering a business is largely influenced by the type of legal entity. Kenya recognizes several business structures under the Companies Act, 2015 and the Business Names Act.
Sole Proprietorship
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Owned and managed by a single individual.
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Unlimited liability for the owner.
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Simple registration process.
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Ideal for small-scale businesses.
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Registration cost is lower compared to companies.
Partnership
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Can be general or limited.
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Partners share liability and management responsibilities.
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Requires a partnership agreement.
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Registered as a business name at the same BRS fee as a sole proprietorship (KES 950).
Private Limited Company (Limited by Shares)
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Most popular for SMEs and startups.
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Requires at least one shareholder and one director.
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Limited liability protects personal assets.
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Registration fees are higher due to legal and compliance requirements.
Public Limited Company
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Suitable for larger businesses intending to raise capital publicly.
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Requires at least two directors under the Companies Act, 2015.
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More extensive legal documentation; the BRS registration fee is the same as for a private company (KES 10,650).
Company Limited by Guarantee
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Typically used for non-profit organisations.
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No share capital is involved.
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Members’ liability is limited to the guarantee amount.
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The BRS registration fee is a flat KES 10,000; legal drafting costs depend on the complexity of the constitution.
Choosing the right business structure affects registration fees, compliance obligations, and long-term operational costs. Expert advice from Adamjee Auditors can help you select the most cost-effective and compliant structure.
Breakdown of Registration Costs
The total cost of registering a business in Kenya depends on the type of business and associated statutory requirements. Below is a breakdown based on the official BRS fee schedule, checked as at October 2026. Fees are paid on eCitizen and can change, so confirm the amount on your invoice before paying.
1. Name Search and Reservation
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Conducted via the eCitizen portal.
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Ensures your business name is unique and compliant with naming laws.
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Fee: the BRS fee schedule does not list a separate name reservation charge; confirm any amount on your eCitizen invoice.
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Official searches after registration cost KES 650 for a company and KES 250 for a business name.
2. Registration Fees
| Business Type | BRS Fee (KES) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sole Proprietorship | 950 | Registered as a business name; about 1 day |
| Partnership | 950 | Registered as a business name; about 1 day. A limited liability partnership (LLP) costs KES 25,000. |
| Private Limited Company | 10,650 | About 3–5 days |
| Public Limited Company | 10,650 | About 3–5 days; legal and advisory costs are usually higher |
| Company Limited by Guarantee | 10,000 | About 3 days after the National Intelligence Service (NIS) vetting report is received |
3. Stamp Duty
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Stamp duty applies to increases in share capital for companies limited by shares.
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Rate: 1% of the amount of any increase in nominal share capital (KRA). The initial nominal share capital of a newly incorporated company is generally exempt.
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Confirm with KRA whether any stamp duty is due before you file.
4. Business Licences and Permits
Costs vary depending on the county and industry. Examples include:
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Single Business Permit: an annual county fee that varies by county, business activity and size. Check your county’s current schedule of fees.
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Sector-specific licences: For example, food handling, health services, financial services, or education. Fees vary widely.
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Environmental/health approvals: Applicable to manufacturing, food, and chemical industries.
5. KRA PIN Registration
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Required for both the company and directors.
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Fee: Free via the KRA iTax portal.
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Mandatory for corporate tax, VAT, and PAYE compliance.
6. Post-Registration Compliance Costs
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VAT registration if taxable supplies reach KES 5 million or more in any 12-month period (VAT Act, section 34).
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PAYE registration for employees.
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SHA and NSSF registration for statutory contributions (the Social Health Insurance Fund replaced NHIF in October 2024).
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Accounting software and bookkeeping: Optional but recommended for compliance. Costs depend on the software chosen and the size of the business.
7. Professional Advisory Fees
Engaging professionals can streamline the process and help prevent costly mistakes. Fees depend on the scope of work, so ask for a written quote:
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Company secretarial services: priced according to scope
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Tax compliance and advisory: priced according to scope
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Bookkeeping setup: priced according to scope
Firms like Adamjee Auditors provide end-to-end solutions that ensure compliance, saving time and avoiding potential penalties.
Additional Factors That Influence Costs
Several factors may increase the overall cost of registering a business:
Industry-Specific Regulations
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Financial institutions, medical facilities, and import/export businesses require additional licensing.
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Licence fees are set by each regulator and vary widely, so check the current fees with the relevant regulator.
Location and County Fees
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Each county sets its own business permit fees in its finance laws, so the same business can pay different amounts in different counties.
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Check your county’s current fee schedule before budgeting.
Legal and Documentation Complexity
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Companies with multiple shareholders or foreign investors may incur higher legal and advisory costs.
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Drafting detailed memorandums, articles of association, and shareholder agreements adds to initial expenses.
Time and Efficiency
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DIY registration can be time-consuming and may lead to mistakes, causing delays and additional costs.
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Engaging advisers can help the process run smoothly and support compliance with KRA requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does it cost to register a private limited company in Kenya?
The BRS fee is KES 10,650 as at October 2026, excluding county permits, sector licences and professional fees.
Are there annual renewal costs?
Yes. Business permits must be renewed annually, fees vary by county and industry. Companies must also file annual returns with the Registrar of Companies on eCitizen, where the filing fee is shown.
Can a foreigner register a business in Kenya?
Yes. The Companies Act, 2015 requires at least one director who is a natural person but sets no nationality or residence requirement. BRS fees are the same, but foreign directors and shareholders usually need extra documents, such as passport copies.
Do I need an accountant or lawyer?
While optional, professional guidance helps avoid mistakes, supports KRA compliance, and streamlines post-registration processes. Adamjee Auditors offers these services.
How Adamjee Auditors Can Help You Minimise Costs
Professional advice can make your registration process more efficient and reduce unnecessary expenses:
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End-to-end registration: From name search to certificate issuance.
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Tax compliance guidance: Ensures VAT, PAYE, and corporate tax obligations are met efficiently.
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Bookkeeping and payroll setup: Avoid errors that lead to penalties.
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CFO advisory and strategic planning: Aligns company structure with long-term business goals.
Partnering with Adamjee Auditors can help you plan your costs, avoid unexpected expenses and stay compliant with Kenyan law.
Get Expert Financial & Audit Guidance Today
Navigating Kenya’s financial and regulatory landscape can be complex. Don’t leave your company’s compliance to chance. Let our experts at Adamjee Auditors provide the clarity and support you need.
Contact us today for a consultation on our comprehensive audit, tax, and advisory services.
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