Following our call for help, we can finally report on how to register a simple business in Kenya. It is our hope that this post will help demystify business registration in Kenya and make it simpler and more accessible to more people.
How To Register A Sole Proprietorship/Partnership In Kenya
The procedure here is pretty easy and should not cost more than Kshs 900/-. Here is what you need to do:
- Pick out a business name that you wish to register. Write a simple letter addressed to the “Registrar General”. This letter need only ask the registrar to confirm if your chosen business name is available for registration.
- Make your way over to Sheria House, and to the Registrar of Companies within the Sheria House compound.
- Go over to counter No 1 and hand in your letter(s). You will need to pay Kshs 100 for every name that you wish to register. This is what is called “business name search”. The process takes three days, max (usually). You will receive a blue receipt.
- Three days after handing in your letter, go back to Sheria House and show the attendant your receipt. If your chosen name is available for registration, you will receive a letter from the registrar of companies that, basically, tells you your name search was successful. You will also receive a form, Form BN/2.
- What you need to do is fill out Form BN/2 as completely as possible. If you are registering a sole proprietorship, the part where it says “Particulars of proprietor or partners” will bear only one name, otherwise you can put in up to 20 partners (for a partnership).
- Go back to Sheria House and hand in your completed Form BN/2. You will need to pay Kshs 800/-. After a week or so, you will have to go back to Sheria House to collect your business registration certificate. Congratulations, you shall then have registered a new business!
We hope that someone, somewhere, finds this article useful. We shall publish one on limited companies shortly.
The map below shows the location of Sheria House in Nairobi. You can also use this link to view the map.
View Larger Map
Please do note that we have no lawyers on the Like Chapaa team. If any of the above is erroneous, kindly help us correct it. If you live outside of Nairobi and you know what the procedure is like in your town/city, please help us incorporate that information in this post.
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hey thanks for so such a timely and helpful post.I hope kenyans-youth watachukua hatua this new year and transform their lives through entrepreneurship.keep it up guys.I always come to your site for inspiration.
Thank you so much for your comment – it is comments like yours that keep us going.
Is there anything in particular that you would like us to write about? We’d be happy to!
Yeah man.Tell Kenyan youths to stop looking for work.There are limitless opportunities out there.Must we look for jobs.?I think getting into the world of self employment is what this country needs.Guess what i have in mind?
Something that motivates and challenges the youth mentality could be a good pointer.What do you think.
Hmm, something that motivates…and challenges. A good example of a Kenyan youth who made it as an entrepreneur would work well for this, ama?
sure.
i would love to contribute to your blog on topics ranging from internet marketing,seo,sem,ppc, cpa,affiliate marketing and making money .What do i need to do?
kihatto
Wow! really? Check your inbox, friend
Quite nice stuff here guys,i think am falling in love with the work you are doing.Can i copy this info to my website http://www.bertandrich.com and thus spread the word?
Of course you can! Feel free to do so. Please mention us somewhere, though.
And thanks for the kind words, they are MUCH appreciated.
Thanks very much i have been wondering how i can register my new business but you have given me the answer
You are VERY welcome! IS there anything in particular that you’d like us to write about?
A nice job guys the youth of this country deserve a better life
Thank you Kiptoo!
Thanks for the time timely article. i find it helpful though i have another question and would appreciate help. HOW CAN YOU START AND REGITER A MAGAZINE/NEQWSPAPER IN KENYA? Thanks.
I really do not know. I’ll try and find out for you.
Thanks for the article, it has really helped.
You’re welcome Esther! Visit us again soon
Thanks so much. some guys were just about to take 4k for that from me.
You’re welcome sana!!
hi , nice information. but you need to separate sole proprietorships from partnerships , these are two very diifferent things from what i can remember, and their registration procedures should be too.
Thank you! Could you please provide me with info as regards to registering a partnership? The guys at Sheria House told me it was identical to a Sole Proprietorship.
Please help me make this info accurate.
The process of registering a sole-proprietorship and partnership is the same atSheria house.
However, because of the unique nature of partnerships (the fact that one partner’s actions can make other partners equally liable) it is recommended that one also registers a partnership deed that clearly defines rights, duties and obligations of all partners.
A partnership deed once drawn up is supposed to be registered as a public document at the Ministry of Lands.
the dropshipping business is also great as long as you can find a great supplier.;”.
thanks 4 this.was really confused by other sites,they are vague and dont break down the procedure down to each type of company.keep up the good work.
Thanks Chris, I’m glad you found it helpful.
You are just the best. Straight to the point, I needed this too!
Thanks Naomie. Good luck with your new business.
Thanks for this.its well broken down and since its as early as December I can assume the cost of 800/- is still valid? had errd with the wrong form which we were given of 2,500/- instead of for partnership so yes you save as money as starter entrepreneurs
The cost of 800 is still valid
Thanks. I also udnerstand there may be furtehr registration requried for schools colleges etc by ministry of eductaion. Is this optional for either or mandatory for both? I need to know which one really is relevant thanks in advance
I believe both are madnatory