How to Register a Business Name in Kenya Online (Name Search)

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Registration of all companies and businesses can now be done online via the e-Citizen platform. Most Kenyans however still do not know how to register a business name in Kenya. Or even how to do a business name search online.

Here are the steps for e-Citizen business name registration in Kenya;

  • Disclaimer: Currently, you will only do the name search online but will still have to visit the business registrar in person to finalize the registration and get a certificate
  • Log in to your e-Citizen account
  • Click on the Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice
  • Do a quick search to confirm if the name if available for use
  • Click on the Business name search and submit your business for approval
  • You will be required to pay Ksh 150 for the process. You can pay via M-Pesa paybill: Enter Business no. 206206, Enter Account no. WQTSDZX
  • Once your payment is processed you have to wait for at least 5 working days before you receive an approval or rejection status on your name
  • Once your name has been approved you can proceed and register your business name
  • While on the Department of Justice’s main page within the e-Citizen platform, click on Make Application
  • Then click on Business Name Registration option and then proceed to register the approved business name
  • You will be required to pay for the process
  • Once you pay you to have to wait for at least 10 working days before your certificate of registration is ready for downloading.

Here are some rules to consider when coming up with your business name.

  • The use of Initials are not allowed e.g J.K and Brian Enterprises
  • Names with the word “Foundation” must be Limited Ahadi Kenya)
  • Names with “Groups” , “projects” and “Holdings” must be limited.(Ahadi group limited)
  • Names with “Universities” must be limited. (Ahadi university limited)
  • Single words are not accepted (Ahadi)
  • Offensive or abusive words are not allowed either. Offensive words in vernacular (mother tongue) are not allowed either.
  • Political names e.g (Nairobi youth alliance) are not allowed
  • Numerics are not allowed not unless its the current year eg (2015)
  • Names starting with the word “Kenya” are only reserved for the government.
  • Names with ‘Church’ and ‘Ministry or Ministries’ are not allowed
  • Names with “Trust”, “Foundation”, Programmes are not allowed
  • The Registrar of Names does not register clubs
  • Names with “Relief” are not allowed
  • Names with “welfare”, Organization, Association, are not allowed.

Summary of The Business Name Registration Guide

The approved name is only valid for a month from the date of approval. To register the business name before the month is over. Use your names as per your identification card during the process to avoid any problems in the future.

One Last Secret On How to Register a Business Name in Kenya

Register the approved business name do not deviate and register a totally different name.