Step-by-step guide to registering and launching a startup in Kenya.
Choose your business structure. For a tech startup, a Private Limited Company (PLC) is the recommended option. Other options include a Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, or Limited Liability Partnership.
Reserve your company name and register your business through eCitizen at ecitizen.go.ke via the Business Registration Service (BRS). You will need a Kenyan national ID or passport for each director.
Submit your registration documents: Memorandum and Articles of Association, Form CR1 (application), Form CR2 (nominal capital), and IDs for all directors. Pay registration fees via M-PESA or bank transfer on eCitizen.
Obtain your PIN Certificate from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) via itax.kra.go.ke. This PIN is required for tax compliance, bank account opening, and contracting with larger entities.
Register for VAT with KRA if your annual turnover exceeds KES 5 million. The VAT rate in Kenya is 16%.
Open a business bank account. KCB Bank Kenya or Equity Bank are strong options. You will need your Certificate of Incorporation, KRA PIN Certificate, and IDs for all signatories.
Integrate M-PESA Daraja API for accepting mobile money payments. Set up a Safaricom Business Paybill or Till Number first — this is how Kenyan customers expect to pay.
Register your employees with NHIF (National Hospital Insurance Fund) and NSSF (National Social Security Fund) for statutory deductions. Use Workpay to automate Kenyan payroll compliance including KRA PAYE.
Consider applying to iHub, MEST Africa, or Nairobi Garage for early-stage startup support, workspace, and network access in Nairobi.
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