Registering a business name is an important step for Kenyan entrepreneurs. The process is handled through the Business Registration Service (BRS) on eCitizen.
BRS has merged name reservation and business registration into one online process. Applicants submit their preferred names together with the full application.
What You Need Before You Start
Before beginning your application, have the following ready:
- National ID or valid passport details.
- Passport-size photograph of the proprietor, where requested.
- KRA PIN details for the owner.
- Three to five proposed business names, ranked by preference.
- Business activity details, describing what the business will do.
- Physical business address, including the relevant location details.
- Phone number and email address for contact purposes.
BRS requires applicants to provide the information needed to complete the business-name registration application. Its official FAQ also confirms that applicants submit a minimum of three and maximum of five preferred names.
Key Things to Check Before Naming Your Business
Before submitting your application, make sure your proposed name follows BRS naming requirements;
- A company name may not contain more than 160 characters.
- A private limited company name must end with “Limited” or “Ltd”.
- A public limited company name must end with “plc” or “Public Limited Company”.
- Offensive or abusive words are not allowed, including offensive words in vernacular.
- The name should not be identical to an already reserved or registered name, unless the businesses are part of the same group and written consent has been given.
- The name should not be the same as or similar to a registered trademark. BRS recommends considering a search at the trademarks registry.
- Names containing “co-operative,” “society,” or “trade union” are not allowed.
- Numbers may be used in any part of a name.
- A full stop, comma, colon, semi-colon or hyphen may be used.
- Other permitted punctuation includes an apostrophe, brackets, exclamation mark, guillemet, inverted comma, question mark and solidus.
- Certain signs and symbols, including +; =; #; and %, have restrictions on where they can appear in a company name.
- A name should not start with “Kenya”, because the word is reserved for government-owned entities.
The private and public limited-company suffix rules apply to companies, rather than an ordinary business name. Therefore, entrepreneurs registering a business name should focus primarily on whether their proposed name meets the BRS naming and registration requirements.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Step 1: Log Into eCitizen
First, log into your eCitizen account.
Then access the Business Registration Service (BRS). The BRS V2 platform provides access to business-name registration services.
Step 2: Start Your Application
Select Make Application.
Then choose Registration of a Business Name and click apply. BRS officially lists business-name registration as an available BRS V2 service.
Step 3: Submit Your Proposed Names
Enter your preferred business names in order of priority.
Submit at least three names, with up to five allowed. The names should comply with BRS naming requirements.
For example, the name should not be identical or confusingly similar to an existing registered name or trademark. Offensive names are also prohibited.
Step 4: Fill in Your Business Details
Next, provide the applicant and proprietor information.
Enter your business activity, physical address and contact details. Review the information carefully before proceeding.
Step 5: Complete Form BN2
The system generates the registration form.
According to BRS, you must sign the auto-generated registration form, scan it and upload it back to the system. The official BRS service charter identifies BN2 as the document lodged for business-name registration.
Step 6: Pay the Registration Fee
After reviewing your application, proceed with payment. The current official BRS fee is KSh950.
Payment is made electronically through eCitizen using the available payment options.
Step 7: Download Your Certificate
Once the application is approved, BRS issues a Certificate of Registration. The current BRS fee schedule lists a one-day processing timeline for business-name registration.
What Entrepreneurs Should Remember
Most importantly, use the official BRS and eCitizen platforms. Also, confirm the requirements displayed on the live application before submitting.
Government procedures can change, so avoid relying on outdated online guides. Finally, keep your Certificate of Registration safely after approval.
