Starting a business / Registering a business name (sole proprietor)

Summary of the procedure

List of steps

List of steps (10)
1
Register with eCitizen Online procedure
2
Pay for business name reservation
3
Obtain name approval
4
Assessment of application
5
Pay for business name registration
6
Obtain certificate of registration
7
Verification of business permit application form
8
Assessment of business license fee
9
Obtain invoice for business licence fees
10
Pay for licence fees and obtain business permit
 

Where to go?

Huduma centre (x 3)
2 3 5
Huduma centre
City Hall Annexe (x 3)
7 8 9
City Hall Annexe
Cash office - City Hall
10
Cash office - City Hall

What you will get

Business registration number
6
Business registration number
Business permit
10
Business permit

Required documents

Passport photo (x 3)
1 4 5
Passport photo
Application for name reservation - CR14 (x 2)
2 3
Application for name reservation - CR14
Statement of particulars
4
Statement of particulars
Name reservation letter (x 2)
4 5
Name reservation letter
National Identity card (x 4)
4 5 7 8
National Identity card
KRA PIN certificate (x 2)
4 5
KRA PIN certificate
Assessed statement of particulars
5
Assessed statement of particulars
Payment receipt
6
Payment receipt
Business permit application form (x 2)
7 8
Business permit application form
Approved business permit application form
9
Approved business permit application form
Payment invoice for application fees
10
Payment invoice for application fees
Payment invoice for business permit
10
Payment invoice for business permit

How much?

Estimated cost of the procedure : KES  6,150
KES  5,000 (  For payment of business permit - Fee for a small trader shop or retail service)
KES  600 (  For registration fee for statement of particulars)
KES  200 (  For issuance of certificate of registration)
KES  200 (  For business permit application fees)
KES  100 (  For each name reservation request)
KES  50 (  For processing fee for postal corporation)

How long ?

  min. max.
Total time (sum): 2d 1/2 4d
of which:
Waiting time in queue (sum): 1h. 20mn 3h. 50mn
Attention at counter: 50mn 1h. 40mn
Waiting time until next step (sum): 2d 3d

Legal justification?

Registration of business names act 2012  Registration of Business Names Act 2012
The registration of business names Act - Legal notice No. 89 - 12th June 2003  Legal Notice No.89 of 2003 (Registration of business names Act)
Nairobi City County Finance Act  Nairobi City County Finance Act
Business permits fee schedule  Business permits fee schedule

Detailed steps

1
Register with eCitizen

Expected results

1. 01 - Account activation code
Account activation code

Requirements

1. 01 - Libre deuda de patente
Contact details
2. 01 - Libre deuda de patente
Email address
3. 01 - Libre deuda de patente
Passport photo (copy)
4. 01 - Libre deuda de patente
Identity card
For Kenyan Citizens
or 01 - Libre deuda de patente
Foreign national registration certificate- alien card
For foreigners residing in Kenya
or 01 - Libre deuda de patente
Passport
For non resident foreign nationals

Time frame

Attention at counter: Min.   5mn - Max.   10mn

Additional information

Users can access the government services through the following accounts: 1. Ecitizen Kenyan Citizen account for Kenyan citizens. 2. Ecitizen Foreign Residents account for resident foreigners with an alien card. 3. eVisa Visitors account for non-resident foreigners without an alien card. 4. Ebusiness account for businesses already registered in Kenya.

Who certified this information ?

15/12/2015

Recourse: Government of Kenya eCitizen Portal

Entity in charge

Government of Kenya eCitizen Portal


Tel: +254 207 903 260
Email: support@ecitizen.go.ke
Website: https://www.ecitizen.go.ke/

Unit in charge

eCitizen support centre

Mon: 00:00 - 00:01
Tue: 00:00 - 00:01
Wed: 00:00 - 00:01
Thu: 00:00 - 00:01
Fri: 00:00 - 00:01
Sat: 00:00 - 00:01
Sun: 00:00 - 00:01

Person in charge

Support center officer

Tel: +254 709 480 000
Email: support@ecitizen.go.ke
2
Pay for business name reservation

Contact details

Entity in charge

Huduma centre

62000, City Square, Nairobi 00200
Tel: +254 206 900 000
Website: http://www.hudumakenya.go.ke
Directions: Google maps
A list of the Huduma centers can be found at their website.

Unit in charge

Cashiers desk

Mon: 08:00 - 17:00
Tue: 08:00 - 17:00
Wed: 08:00 - 17:00
Thu: 08:00 - 17:00
Fri: 08:00 - 17:00

Person in charge

Pamela Norah

Cashier
Tel: +254 721 884 827
Email: pnamwai@yahoo.com
Huduma centers in Kenya Huduma centers in Kenya

Expected results

1. 01 - Payment receipt
Payment receipt

Requirements

1. Application for name reservation - CR14
Application for name reservation - CR14 (original)

Cost KES 100

KES expand_more expand_less
  • KES Add Name Here
KES 100
For each name reservation request
Payment methods: cash
For debit, credit and prepaid payment methods, an extra card handling fee of KES 3.75 is payable. If the name reservation is done manually at Huduma Centers, the charge is KES 100.00 (cash) for each name reservation request.

Time frame

Waiting time in queue: Min.   5mn - Max.  10mn
Attention at counter: Min.   5mn - Max.   10mn

Legal justification

1. Registration of Business Names Act 2012
Registration of Business Names Act 2012
Sections 6, 17
2. Legal Notice No.89 of 2003 (Registration of business names Act)
Legal Notice No.89 of 2003 (Registration of business names Act)

Additional information

It is advised to submit 3 names suggestions to increase likelihood of approval. The business name can also be reserved online. See the following link: http://kenya.eregulations.org/procedure/59/22?l=en

Who certified this information ?

15/12/2015

Recourse: Huduma centre

Entity in charge

Huduma centre

62000, City Square, Nairobi 00200
Tel: +254 206 900 000
Website: http://www.hudumakenya.go.ke
Directions: Google maps
A list of the Huduma centers can be found at their website.

Unit in charge

Customer care department

Mon: 08:00 - 17:00
Tue: 08:00 - 17:00
Wed: 08:00 - 17:00
Thu: 08:00 - 17:00
Fri: 08:00 - 17:00
A list of the Huduma centers can be found at their website.

Person in charge

Customer care service officer

Tel: +254 206 900 020
3
Obtain name approval

Contact details

Entity in charge

Huduma centre

62000, City Square, Nairobi 00200
Tel: +254 206 900 000
Website: http://www.hudumakenya.go.ke
Directions: Google maps
A list of the Huduma centers can be found at their website.

Unit in charge

Business name registration desk

Mon: 08:00 - 17:00
Tue: 08:00 - 17:00
Wed: 08:00 - 17:00
Thu: 08:00 - 17:00
Fri: 08:00 - 17:00
A list of the Huduma centers can be found at their website.

Person in charge

Eric Kyengo

Clerk
Huduma centers in Kenya Huduma centers in Kenya

Expected results

1. 01 - Name reservation letter
Name reservation letter

Requirements

1. Application for name reservation - CR14
Application for name reservation - CR14 (2 original )
Signed by the petitioner

Time frame

Waiting time in queue: Min.   30mn - Max.  2h.
Attention at counter: Min.   5mn - Max.   10mn

Legal justification

1. Registration of Business Names Act 2012
Registration of Business Names Act 2012
Section 17

Additional information

The business name reservation lasts for 30 days but is renewable upon request being made to the Registrar of Companies whose address is: Company registry P . O. BOX 30031-00100 Nairobi, Kenya .

Who certified this information ?

15/12/2015

Recourse: Huduma centre

Entity in charge

Huduma centre

62000, City Square, Nairobi 00200
Tel: +254 206 900 000
Website: http://www.hudumakenya.go.ke
Directions: Google maps
A list of the Huduma centers can be found at their website.

Unit in charge

Customer care department

Mon: 08:00 - 17:00
Tue: 08:00 - 17:00
Wed: 08:00 - 17:00
Thu: 08:00 - 17:00
Fri: 08:00 - 17:00
A list of the Huduma centers can be found at their website.

Person in charge

Customer care service officer

Tel: +254 206 900 020
4
Assessment of application

Expected results

1. 01 - Assessed statement of particulars
Assessed statement of particulars

Requirements

1. Statement of particulars
Statement of particulars (original)
2. 01 - Libre deuda de patente
Name reservation letter (original)
3. 01 - Libre deuda de patente
National Identity card (copy)
or 01 - Libre deuda de patente
Passport (copy)
For a foreigner
4. 01 - Libre deuda de patente
Passport photo (original)
5. 01 - Libre deuda de patente
KRA PIN certificate (copy)

Time frame

Waiting time in queue: Min.   5mn - Max.  10mn
Attention at counter: Min.   5mn - Max.   10mn

Legal justification

1. Registration of Business Names Act 2012
Registration of Business Names Act 2012
Sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17

Who certified this information ?

15/12/2015

Recourse: Huduma centre

Entity in charge

Huduma centre

62000, City Square, Nairobi 00200
Tel: +254 206 900 000
Website: http://www.hudumakenya.go.ke
Directions: Google maps
A list of the Huduma centers can be found at their website.

Unit in charge

Customer care department

Mon: 08:00 - 17:00
Tue: 08:00 - 17:00
Wed: 08:00 - 17:00
Thu: 08:00 - 17:00
Fri: 08:00 - 17:00
A list of the Huduma centers can be found at their website.

Person in charge

Customer care service officer

Tel: +254 206 900 020
5
Pay for business name registration

Costs

( ver detalles )

Timeframe ( ver detalles )

Espera hasta paso siguiente

KES 850
10 mn  -  20 mn
2 days  -  3 days

Contact details

Entity in charge

Huduma centre

62000, City Square, Nairobi 00200
Tel: +254 206 900 000
Website: http://www.hudumakenya.go.ke
Directions: Google maps
A list of the Huduma centers can be found at their website.

Unit in charge

Business name registration

Mon: 08:00 - 17:00
Tue: 08:00 - 17:00
Wed: 08:00 - 17:00
Thu: 08:00 - 17:00
Fri: 08:00 - 17:00

Person in charge

Pamela Norah

Cashier
Tel: +254 721 884 827
Email: pnamwai@yahoo.com
Huduma centers in Kenya Huduma centers in Kenya

Expected results

1. 01 - Payment receipt
Payment receipt

Requirements

1. 01 - Libre deuda de patente
Assessed statement of particulars (original)
2. 01 - Libre deuda de patente
Name reservation letter (copy)
3. 01 - Libre deuda de patente
KRA PIN certificate (copy)
4. 01 - Libre deuda de patente
Passport photo (2 original )
5. 01 - Libre deuda de patente
National Identity card (original)
or 01 - Libre deuda de patente
Passport (copy)
For a foreigner

Cost KES 850

KES expand_more expand_less
  • KES Add Name Here
KES 600
For registration fee for statement of particulars
KES 200
For issuance of certificate of registration
KES 50
For processing fee for postal corporation
Payment methods: cash

Time frame

Waiting time in queue: Min.   5mn - Max.  10mn
Attention at counter: Min.   5mn - Max.   10mn
Waiting time until next step: Min.   2 days - Max.   3 days

Legal justification

1. Registration of Business Names Act 2012
Registration of Business Names Act 2012
Sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17
2. Legal Notice No.89 of 2003 (Registration of business names Act)
Legal Notice No.89 of 2003 (Registration of business names Act)

Who certified this information ?

15/12/2015

Recourse: Huduma centre

Entity in charge

Huduma centre

62000, City Square, Nairobi 00200
Tel: +254 206 900 000
Website: http://www.hudumakenya.go.ke
Directions: Google maps
A list of the Huduma centers can be found at their website.

Unit in charge

Customer care department

Mon: 08:00 - 17:00
Tue: 08:00 - 17:00
Wed: 08:00 - 17:00
Thu: 08:00 - 17:00
Fri: 08:00 - 17:00
A list of the Huduma centers can be found at their website.

Person in charge

Customer care service officer

Tel: +254 206 900 020
6
Obtain certificate of registration

Expected results

1. 01 - Business registration number
Business registration number

Requirements

1. 01 - Libre deuda de patente
Payment receipt (original)

Time frame

Waiting time in queue: Min.   10mn - Max.  20mn
Attention at counter: Min.   5mn - Max.   10mn

Legal justification

1. Registration of Business Names Act 2012
Registration of Business Names Act 2012
Section 14

Who certified this information ?

15/12/2015

Recourse: Business Registration Service

Entity in charge

Business Registration Service

17th Floor, 316 UpperHill Chambers, 2nd Ngong Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya P. O. Box 30404-00100, Nairobi 00100
Tel: +254 111 127 000
Email: eo@brs.go.ke
Website: https://brs.go.ke

Unit in charge

Customer care - Business Registration Service

Mon: 08:00 - 17:00
Tue: 08:00 - 17:00
Wed: 08:00 - 17:00
Thu: 08:00 - 17:00
Fri: 08:00 - 17:00

Person in charge

Agnes Gathoni

BRS/ KenInvest liaison officer
Tel: +254 730 104 200 / +254 111 127 000
Email: gathoni@invest.go.ke, eo@brs.go.ke
7
Verification of business permit application form

Contact details

Entity in charge

City Hall Annexe

P.O.Box 30075, Nairobi 00100
Tel: +254 202 176 467
Email: info@nairobi.go.ke
Website: www.nairobi.go.ke
Not opened during public holidays

Unit in charge

Customer care unit licencing department - City Hall Annexe

Mon: 08:00 - 17:00
Tue: 08:00 - 17:00
Wed: 08:00 - 17:00
Thu: 08:00 - 17:00
Fri: 08:00 - 17:00
Not opened during public holidays

Person in charge

Bruno Were

Licencing officer
Tel: +254 721 671 807
Email: goddcah@yahoo.com

Expected results

1. Single business permit application form
Single business permit application form

Requirements

1. 01 - Libre deuda de patente
Business permit application form (original)
2. 01 - Libre deuda de patente
National Identity card (copy)
Of the applicant
or 01 - Libre deuda de patente
Passport
For a foreigner

Time frame

Waiting time in queue: Min.   5mn - Max.  10mn
Attention at counter: Min.   5mn - Max.   10mn

Legal justification

1. Nairobi City County Finance Act
Nairobi City County Finance Act
Section 8

Who certified this information ?

03/12/2015

Recourse: City Hall Annexe

Entity in charge

City Hall Annexe

P.O.Box 30075, Nairobi 00100
Tel: +254 202 176 467
Email: info@nairobi.go.ke
Website: www.nairobi.go.ke
Not opened during public holidays

Unit in charge

Customer care - City Hall Annexe

Mon: 08:00 - 17:00
Tue: 08:00 - 17:00
Wed: 08:00 - 17:00
Thu: 08:00 - 17:00
Fri: 08:00 - 17:00
Not opened during public holidays

Person in charge

Solomon Macharia

Deputy director - trade licencing department
Tel: +254 721 902 171 / +254 208 007 035
Email: solomonmwangi70@yahoo.com
8
Assessment of business license fee

Contact details

Entity in charge

City Hall Annexe

P.O.Box 30075, Nairobi 00100
Tel: +254 202 176 467
Email: info@nairobi.go.ke
Website: www.nairobi.go.ke
Not opened during public holidays

Unit in charge

Office of the deputy director - trade licencing department

Mon: 08:00 - 17:00
Tue: 08:00 - 17:00
Wed: 08:00 - 17:00
Thu: 08:00 - 17:00
Fri: 08:00 - 17:00
Not opened during public holidays

Person in charge

Solomon Macharia

Deputy director - trade licencing department
Tel: +254 721 902 171 / +254 208 007 035
Email: solomonmwangi70@yahoo.com

Expected results

1. 01 - Approved business permit application form
Approved business permit application form

Requirements

1. 01 - Libre deuda de patente
Business permit application form (original)
2. 01 - Libre deuda de patente
National Identity card (copy)
or 01 - Libre deuda de patente
Passport (copy)
For a foreigner

Time frame

Waiting time in queue: Min.   5mn - Max.  10mn
Attention at counter: Min.   5mn - Max.   10mn

Who certified this information ?

03/12/2015

Recourse: City Hall Annexe

Entity in charge

City Hall Annexe

P.O.Box 30075, Nairobi 00100
Tel: +254 202 176 467
Email: info@nairobi.go.ke
Website: www.nairobi.go.ke
Not opened during public holidays

Unit in charge

Customer care - City Hall Annexe

Mon: 08:00 - 17:00
Tue: 08:00 - 17:00
Wed: 08:00 - 17:00
Thu: 08:00 - 17:00
Fri: 08:00 - 17:00
Not opened during public holidays

Person in charge

Solomon Macharia

Deputy director - trade licencing department
Tel: +254 721 902 171 / +254 208 007 035
Email: solomonmwangi70@yahoo.com
9
Obtain invoice for business licence fees

Contact details

Entity in charge

City Hall Annexe

P.O.Box 30075, Nairobi 00100
Tel: +254 202 176 467
Email: info@nairobi.go.ke
Website: www.nairobi.go.ke
Not opened during public holidays

Unit in charge

Data capturing - licencing department

Mon: 08:00 - 17:00
Tue: 08:00 - 17:00
Wed: 08:00 - 17:00
Thu: 08:00 - 17:00
Fri: 08:00 - 17:00
Not opened during public holidays
Not opened during public holidays

Person in charge

Moses Chege

Licencing officer
Tel: +254 722 768 399
Email: mcnjuia@gmail.com

Expected results

1. 01 - Payment invoice for application fees
Payment invoice for application fees
2. 01 - Payment invoice for business permit
Payment invoice for business permit

Requirements

1. 01 - Libre deuda de patente
Approved business permit application form (original)

Time frame

Waiting time in queue: Min.   5mn - Max.  10mn
Attention at counter: Min.   5mn - Max.   10mn

Who certified this information ?

03/12/2015

Recourse: City Hall Annexe

Entity in charge

City Hall Annexe

P.O.Box 30075, Nairobi 00100
Tel: +254 202 176 467
Email: info@nairobi.go.ke
Website: www.nairobi.go.ke
Not opened during public holidays

Unit in charge

Customer care - City Hall Annexe

Mon: 08:00 - 17:00
Tue: 08:00 - 17:00
Wed: 08:00 - 17:00
Thu: 08:00 - 17:00
Fri: 08:00 - 17:00
Not opened during public holidays

Person in charge

Solomon Macharia

Deputy director - trade licencing department
Tel: +254 721 902 171 / +254 208 007 035
Email: solomonmwangi70@yahoo.com
10
Pay for licence fees and obtain business permit

Contact details

Entity in charge

Cash office - City Hall

City hall way P.O.Box 30075, Nairobi 00100
Tel: +254 202 176 467
Email: info@nairobi.go.ke
Website: www.nairobi.go.ke
Directions: Google maps
Not opened during public holidays

Unit in charge

Cash counter

Mon: 08:00 - 17:00
Tue: 08:00 - 17:00
Wed: 08:00 - 17:00
Thu: 08:00 - 17:00
Fri: 08:00 - 17:00
Sat: 08:00 - 14:00
Not opened during public holidays
Not opened during Sundays and public holidays

Person in charge

Isaac Chege

Cashier
Tel: +254722972481
Email: isaacchege@gmail.com

Expected results

1. 01 - Business permit
Business permit
2. 01 - Business permit payment receipt
Business permit payment receipt

Requirements

1. 01 - Libre deuda de patente
Payment invoice for application fees (original)
2. 01 - Libre deuda de patente
Payment invoice for business permit (original)

Cost KES 5,200

KES expand_more expand_less
  • KES Add Name Here
KES 200
For business permit application fees
KES 5,000
For payment of business permit - Fee for a small trader shop or retail service

Time frame

Waiting time in queue: Min.   10mn - Max.  30mn
Attention at counter: Min.   5mn - Max.   10mn

Legal justification

1. Business permits fee schedule
Business permits fee schedule

Additional information

The permit fees charged for different categories of businesses differ from one county to another with Nairobi having the highest rates.

Who certified this information ?

03/12/2015

Recourse: City Hall Annexe

Entity in charge

City Hall Annexe

P.O.Box 30075, Nairobi 00100
Tel: +254 202 176 467
Email: info@nairobi.go.ke
Website: www.nairobi.go.ke
Not opened during public holidays

Unit in charge

Customer care - City Hall Annexe

Mon: 08:00 - 17:00
Tue: 08:00 - 17:00
Wed: 08:00 - 17:00
Thu: 08:00 - 17:00
Fri: 08:00 - 17:00
Not opened during public holidays

Person in charge

Solomon Macharia

Deputy director - trade licencing department
Tel: +254 721 902 171 / +254 208 007 035
Email: solomonmwangi70@yahoo.com