How to Register Business Name in Kenya

May 13, 2026
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elgwaro

Registering a business name (Sole Proprietorship or Partnership) in Kenya is the fastest way to formalize your hustle. In 2026, the process is fully handled through the Business Registration Service (BRS) V2 on the eCitizen portal.

It costs exactly KES 950 and takes about 3 to 5 working days. Here is the punchy, step-by-step breakdown.

Step 1: The Name Search (Merged)

In the new system, name reservation and registration are merged.

  1. Log into your eCitizen account.
  2. Select Business Registration Service (BRS).
  3. Click Make Application and select Registration of a Business Name.
  4. Enter 3 to 5 preferred names in order of priority. The system will check these against the database in real-time.

Step 2: Business Details & Nature

Once you’ve submitted your names, you’ll need to provide the “meat” of the business:

  • Nature of Business: Be specific (e.g., “General Supplies” or “Software Consultancy”).
  • Address: You must provide a physical location (Building name, Street, Town). If you work from home, use your residential address.
  • Contact Info: An active email and phone number are mandatory.

Step 3: Ownership Information

  • Sole Proprietorship: Enter your ID/Passport number and KRA PIN.
  • Partnership: You will need the details (ID, PIN, and Photos) for all partners.
  • Note: The system will pull your data automatically from the Integrated Population Registration System (IPRS).

Step 4: Sign & Upload the BN2 Form

This is where most people get stuck.

  1. The portal will generate a Business Name Registration Form (BN2) based on your data.
  2. Download it, print it, and sign it manually.
  3. Scan the signed form (as a PDF) and upload it back to the portal.

Step 5: The Payment

  • The total fee is KES 950 (KES 150 for the search and KES 800 for the registration).
  • Pay via M-Pesa (Paybill 222222) or Card.
  • Once paid, the status will change to “Submitted.”

Step 6: Download Your Certificate

Check your portal after 3–5 business days. Once approved, you will see a Certificate of Registration (Form BN/3).

  • Download and laminate it. You’ll need this for your bank account and County Single Business Permit.

Pro-Tips for 2026

  • Avoid Generic Names: Names like “Quality Stores” will be rejected instantly. Be unique—add a prefix or a distinct word.
  • KRA Integration: For a Business Name (Sole Prop), you do not get a new KRA PIN. You use your personal one for tax purposes.
  • The “Verified” Tag: Ensure your eCitizen profile is “Verified” (with a green tick) before starting, or the system won’t let you proceed with BRS services.
  • Mobile Filing: You can track your application status via the M-Service App, but the initial document upload is much easier on a desktop.