Registering a company in Kenya involves several steps, which can be done online through the eCitizen portal. Here’s a detailed procedure:

1. Name Reservation

• Create an eCitizen Account: If you don’t have one, create an account on the eCitizen portal (eCitizen).
• Search for Name Availability: Submit a name search request to ensure the desired company name is not already taken. This usually takes a day.
• Reserve the Name: Once the name is approved, you can reserve it for a period of 30 days, with a possibility of extension.

2. Prepare Documents

• Memorandum and Articles of Association (M&A): Draft these documents, which outline the company’s objectives and rules of operation.
• CR1 Form: This is the application to register a company. It includes details such as the company name, type, address, and director information.
• CR2 Form: This form provides the location of the company’s registered office.
• CR8 Form: This form is for the company’s shareholding details.

3. Register with the Registrar of Companies

• Upload Documents: Log in to eCitizen, select “Business Registration Service,” and upload the necessary documents (M&A, CR1, CR2, CR8).
• Pay Registration Fees: Pay the required registration fees online. The amount varies depending on the company type (e.g., private, public) and capital structure.
• Receive Certificate of Incorporation: If everything is in order, you will receive a Certificate of Incorporation, usually within a week. This certificate officially recognizes your company as a legal entity.

4. Obtain a Company PIN

• Register for a KRA PIN: After incorporation, register the company for a Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) PIN, which is necessary for tax purposes. This can also be done online through the iTax portal.

5. Register for Social Security (NSSF) and Health Insurance (NHIF)

• NSSF Registration: Register the company with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) for employee social security contributions.
• NHIF Registration: Register the company with the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) for employee health insurance.

6. Additional Licenses (if applicable)

• Sector-Specific Licenses: Depending on the nature of your business, you may need additional licenses, such as a business permit from the county government, or regulatory licenses (e.g., from the Communications Authority of Kenya, if applicable).

7. Open a Company Bank Account

• Bank Requirements: With the Certificate of Incorporation and the company KRA PIN, you can open a corporate bank account in Kenya.

8. Comply with Ongoing Requirements

• Annual Returns: Submit annual returns to the Registrar of Companies.
• Tax Returns: File tax returns with the KRA annually.

This procedure is now more streamlined with the digitization of services, making it faster and more efficient.