Business Registration

Private and public limited company incorporation at the Business Registration Service, branch office registration for foreign companies, LLP formation, partnership registration, NGO registration under the NGO Coordination Act and PBO Act, society and trust formation, KRA PIN registration and statutory employer registration (NSSF, NHIF / SHIF, NITA). End-to-end company set-up in Kenya, typically completed within 7–14 working days.

What we advise on. We handle entity formation and registration of every kind: private and public limited companies, branch offices for foreign companies, limited liability partnerships (LLPs), partnerships, societies, trusts, and not-for-profit vehicles registered under the NGO Coordination Act and the Public Benefit Organizations Act. We complete the supporting registrations — KRA PIN, NSSF, the social health insurance scheme (SHIF) and NITA — so a new entity is operational, not just incorporated.

Governing law and regulators. Our work is grounded in the Companies Act 2015, the Limited Liability Partnership Act, the Business Registration Service Act, the NGO Coordination Act and the Public Benefit Organizations Act, with filings through the Business Registration Service (BRS) and the eCitizen platform. We also handle beneficial-ownership registration as now required.

Who we act for. We act for foreign investors establishing a Kenyan presence, local entrepreneurs and SMEs, NGOs and development partners, and groups setting up holding or special-purpose vehicles. We make set-up fast and correct, so clients can focus on launching rather than on paperwork.

Why OLM for business registration. Set-up errors surface later as financing, tax and compliance problems. We get the structure, the registrations and the beneficial-ownership position right from day one, and we hand over an entity that is ready to bank, hire and trade.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does company registration take in Kenya? A private limited company is typically registered through the Business Registration Service within 7 to 14 working days, once name reservation and beneficial-ownership details are complete. We manage the full process on eCitizen.

Can a foreigner own a company in Kenya? Yes. Most sectors allow 100% foreign ownership, though some regulated sectors carry local-equity requirements. A foreign company may also register a branch. We advise on the best vehicle for your plans.

What registrations does a new company need beyond incorporation? A KRA PIN, and — once it has employees — NSSF, the social health insurance scheme (SHIF) and NITA registration, plus any sector licence. We complete these so the company is fully operational.

What is the difference between a company and a business name? A company is a separate legal entity with limited liability; a business name (sole proprietorship or partnership) is not separate from its owners. We advise on the right vehicle.