When engaging in business or investment, knowing whether a company is legally registered in Kenya is vital. Whether you’re verifying an existing company or preparing to start your own, confirming registration helps ensure transparency, legitimacy, and legal protection. Fortunately, the Kenyan government has made this process simple, offering an online service to access company registration details. This guide walks you through how to check if a company is registered in Kenya via the eCitizen portal.
Step-by-Step Guide to Check Company Registration in Kenya
To check if a company is legally registered in Kenya, the most reliable way is through the eCitizen portal, where you can access the CR 12 form—a document that provides detailed information about the company’s directors, shareholders, and more. Here’s how you can easily verify company registration:
How to Access Company Details on eCitizen
- Visit the eCitizen Portal:
- Go to the eCitizen login page.
- Login to Your eCitizen Account:
- Sign in with your email address, ID number, and password. Alternatively, you can use the Digital ID feature through the eCitizen app.
- Navigate to Business Registration Services:
- On the dashboard, select Business Registration Service and click on Make Application.
- Search for Company Information:
- Select Official Search (Third Party Application) from the services list.
- You will be shown the fee for the search. Click Apply Now.
- Enter the Company Details:
- Type the company name or registration number. If the company exists, it will appear on the list.
- Submit Your Application:
- After selecting the company, click Next to proceed. Enter your postal address, confirm the information, and click Finish.
- Pay the Required Fee:
- Once the details are confirmed, proceed with payment using your preferred method. After payment, the CR 12 form with the company’s details will be available for download.
Cost of Verifying a Company
The cost to check a company’s registration on the eCitizen portal is affordable:
| Service | Fee (KES) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| CR 12 Form | 600 | Includes complete company details |
| Convenience Fee | 50 | For accessing the eCitizen portal |
| Total | 650 | Full verification cost |
How to Search for a Company Name Before Registration
If you want to check the availability of a company name before proceeding with registration, follow these steps:
- Log into eCitizen:
- Open your eCitizen account and click on Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice.
- Search for a Business Name:
- Select Make Application and then Name Search – Company/Business.
- Enter the proposed business name and a short description.
- Submit and Pay the Search Fee:
- Confirm the details and submit the application. Pay the applicable search fee.
- Receive Feedback:
- The Registrar will provide a response within one day, notifying you if the name is available or not.
How to Register a Business Name Online
If the name you want is available, you can register your business directly via the eCitizen portal:
- Log in to eCitizen:
- Access your eCitizen account and click on Business Registration Service.
- Complete the Registration Application:
- Provide your business details, including the name, address, and ownership information.
- Pay the Registration Fee:
- Pay the necessary filing fee (KES 950) or more depending on your business type.
- Submit and Receive a Confirmation:
- After payment, the registration will be processed, and you will receive your certificate of registration.
Timelines for Business Registration
The time it takes to complete different business processes on eCitizen is as follows:
| Process | Duration |
|---|---|
| Business Name Search | 1 day |
| Name Reservation | 30 days |
| Business Registration | 3-5 days |
| Limited Liability Company Registration | 1 day |
| Company Name Change | 1 day |
Conclusion
Checking if a company is registered in Kenya is an important step in ensuring the legitimacy of any business venture. With the eCitizen portal, you can quickly access the CR 12 form, which includes key company details such as directors, shareholders, and registered addresses. Whether you are verifying a company or starting your own business, the process is straightforward and cost-effective. By using eCitizen, you ensure your company’s registration status is verified and avoid any potential legal or operational complications.
