Register a company limited by guarantee or a public company
Business Registration Service · sources read 2 Oct 2026
Apply on BRS eCitizen (brsv2.ecitizen.go.ke). A company limited by guarantee costs KSh 10,000 and is incorporated about 3 days after security vetting; a public limited company costs KSh 10,650 and takes 3 to 5 days.
- Fee
- KSh 10,000Company limited by guaranteeKSh 10,650Public limited company
- How long
- CLG: 3 days after the NIS vetting report. PLC: 3 to 5 days
- Where
- Online on the BRS portal on eCitizen (brsv2.ecitizen.go.ke)
What you need
- For a CLG: forms CR1 (application), CR3 (memorandum for a company limited by guarantee) and CR8 (directors' addresses)
- For a PLC: CR1, CR2, CR8, CR10, CR12 and a statement of nominal capital
Steps
- Log in to BRS on eCitizen (brsv2.ecitizen.go.ke) and choose Registration of CLG, or Registration of a public limited company.
- Fill in the company details and the memorandum. For a CLG, BRS has model articles you can use.
- Submit and pay online by mobile money or card.
- Wait for approval and download your Certificate of Incorporation.
Watch out
- A company limited by guarantee is vetted by the National Intelligence Service first, so the clock only starts once that report is in.
- A CLG has no shares. If a member leaves, there is nothing to sell; their liability is only the amount they promised to contribute if the company is wound up.
Who can apply
- Groups such as non-profits that need a legal body but no share capital. Members are guarantors, not shareholders.
- A public limited company suits a company that may invite the public to buy its shares. Its name must end in PLC.
Official sources (6)
- Fee Schedule - Companies Registry brs.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Entities Registered Under BRS in Kenya brs.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Services Available on BRS Version 2 brs.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Company Registry Forms brs.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Model Articles brs.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- BRS on eCitizen brsv2.ecitizen.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026