Set up a sole proprietorship or partnership business name

From: Government of Kenya (public information)

Published 2 June 2026 · Last updated 2 June 2026

Find out how to register a simple trading business name for a sole proprietorship or a partnership in Kenya. This page covers reservation guidelines, required documents, and fixed costs on the eCitizen BRS portal.

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No direct application link is listed yet. Try eCitizen or contact government.

Quick facts

Processing time
2 to 3 working days from submission to digital approval.
Base cost
Ksh 950 flat fee
How to apply
Online (Digital submission)

Fees and times can change. Confirm on the official site before you pay.

Before you start

  • The applicant (and all partners, if applicable) must be at least 18 years of age.
  • A business name does not create a separate legal entity. The owners hold 100% personal liability for all business debts and obligations.

Documents you need

  • Three unique proposed business names listed in order of preference.
  • Valid National Identity Card number or foreign passport details for the owner and all partners.
  • A clear scanned color copy of the KRA PIN Certificate for the owner and all partners.
  • One recent passport-sized color photograph of each partner or owner.

Fees and charges

ItemCost
NTSA/BRS Automated Name Search & Reservation SurchargeKsh 150
Business Name Registration Fee (Form BN2)Ksh 800
eCitizen Portal Convenience ChargeKsh 50

Questions

Can a business name registered as a sole proprietorship be converted into a Limited Company later?
If your business expands, you can log into eCitizen, file a cessation of the business name, and immediately apply to upgrade the enterprise into a Private Limited Company using the same trading name.
Do I need to file annual corporate tax returns for a business name?
No. Because a sole proprietorship is not a separate legal entity, you do not file separate corporate taxes. Instead, you declare the business's net income on your personal KRA iTax individual return before the June 30th deadline every year.