Starting a Business

In the Republic of Kenya, the Registrar of Companies is responsible for business registrations. The Registrar facilitates applications through their website - www.brs.go.ke - and issues certificates of compliance to foreign companies, certificates of incorporation for local companies, and certificates of registration for sole proprietorship and partnerships.

The one-step name reservation and business registration processes require applicants to submit their choice of 3 mandatory preferred names together with their application and make a payment through bank transfer, mobile money, or the card payment options available. A confirmation of the business incorporation is done within 24 hours. 

The streamlined electronic business registration services system enables firms to apply for and download registration certificates from the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). A business permit should also be obtained from the Turkana County Government depending on the type and size of the business.

Since the launch of the eCitizen platform, the registration of all companies, sole proprietorships, and partnerships is done online. However, the process of registering a limited liability partnership (LLPs) is done at the company registry

For more information and advisory services on registration, contact the Turkana County Investment Promotion Unit or visit the Kenya Investment Authority Website on www.invest.go.ke