How to Register a Business Name in Kenya Online (Step-by-Step Guide)

How to Register a Business Name in Kenya Online (Step-by-Step Guide)

Are you planning to start a business in Kenya? One of the first steps is registering your business name. Thanks to Kenya’s eCitizen portal, the process is now fast, fully online, and affordable—even for small startups. if you ask yourself How to register a sole proprietorship in Kenya, eCitizen business registration process or Business name search Kenya

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to register a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership business name in Kenya using the official eCitizen platform.

What is the eCitizen Portal?

eCitizen (www.ecitizen.go.ke) is the official online platform for accessing government services in Kenya. It was launched by the government to make services more accessible, transparent, and efficient.

You can use eCitizen to:

• Register a business
• Apply for passports, driving licenses, police clearance
• Pay for government services securely online

For business registration, the relevant service is under the Business Registration Service (BRS) section.

Requirements Before You Begin

Make sure you have:

• A working email address
• A Safaricom number (for MPESA payments)
• A scanned copy of your National ID (for all owners/partners)
• Details of business partners (if it’s a partnership)

Step-by-Step: Registering a Business Name in Kenya

Step 1: Create an eCitizen Account

1. Go to https://www.ecitizen.go.ke
2. Click on “Create Account”
3. Choose “Citizen” (if using a Kenyan ID)
4. Fill in your ID number, first name, email, and phone number
5. Create a password and complete the registration

You’ll receive a confirmation email/SMS.

Step 2: Log In and Access Business Registration Service

1. Login to your eCitizen account
2. Click on “Business Registration Service (BRS)”
3. Select “Business Name Registration”

Step 3: Name Search (Business Name Reservation)

1. Click on “Make Application”
2. Choose “Name Reservation”
3. Type your preferred business name
4. Select “Business Name” as the entity type
5. Give a short description of your business (e.g., general supplies, salon services)

Processing Time: 1–2 working days
Fee: Ksh 150 per name search

➡ If your name is rejected, try an alternative. Avoid names already registered or those with offensive/ambiguous words.

Step 4: Register the Business Name

Once your name is approved:

1. Return to BRS → Make Application
2. Choose “Business Name Registration”
3. Select the approved name reservation from the list
4. Fill in:
   • Nature of business
   • Location (County, Constituency, Town)
   • Owner’s details (ID number, phone, email)
5. Upload your scanned ID copy (and those of any partners)

Registration Fee: Ksh 950
Processing Time: Within 1–2 business days

Step 5: Download Your Business Certificate

Once approved:

• Go to your eCitizen dashboard
• Click on “Business Registration”
• Download your Business Name Certificate (BN certificate)

You can now legally operate under your registered business name!

Important Tips

• Choose a name that’s unique and easy to remember.
• Your certificate doesn’t expire, but you should file annual returns if you upgrade to a company.
• For partnerships, ensure all partner details are accurate and consistent.

Need Help?

If you get stuck:

• Use the eCitizen Help Center
• Visit the Huduma Centre near you
• Contact BRS at brs.go.ke

Final Thoughts

Registering a business name in Kenya has never been easier. With a few clicks on eCitizen, you can reserve your name, pay via M-PESA, and receive your certificate—all from your phone or laptop.

Whether you’re starting a salon, cyber café, clothing business, or freelance agency, taking this first legal step builds trust and opens doors to loans, tenders, and future growth.