This article explains How To Do A Business Name Search On eCitizen. Business registration in Kenya is an entity under the Registrar of Companies. The body is in charge of all registrations of a business or a company in Kenya. Their primary role is to ensure that businesses and companies in Kenya are issued will all necessary certificates. However, the actual process of name searches and registration is via an online system, eCitizen. All registered companies in Kenya go through a similar registration process, although the costs and requirements vary. Companies that have already been incorporated outside Kenya can register as a branch or subsidiary of a foreign corporation. They will receive a certificate of compliance as proof that all the conditions have been met.
Prerequisites
Individual submitting a request for a file perusal must have an eCitizen account. The type of account could be either of the four below:
- Kenyan citizens account:
- Foreign Residents Account:
- Visitor(eVisa) Account:
- Linked Business
Anyone with an eCitizen account can submit a request for business name search and reservation:
The Business Name is the simplest business form under which one can operate a business. The Business Name is not a legal entity. It simply refers to a person who owns the business and is personally responsible for its debts.
The Company Registry under Attorney General requires all applicants to request for a business name here. Currently, It takes one (1) day for the business name search to be processed.
Before you perform a name search it is important to note the following,
- Business with the word “Enterprises” at the end cannot use Initials g. J.K and Brian Enterprises
- Names with the word “Foundation” must be registered as Companies limited by guarantee
- Names with “Groups”, “projects” and “Holdings” must be (Ahadi group limited)
- Names with “Universities” must be (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
- Political names g. (Nairobi youth alliance) are not allowed
- Numeric characters are not allowed not unless it’s the current yearg. (2015)
- Names starting with the word “Kenya” are only reserved for the
- 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
How To Do A Business Name Search On eCitizen
1. Log in to the eCitizen portal https://accounts.ecitizen.go.ke/login or create an account first if you don’t have one.
2. Go to Business Registration Service and click get service
3. Click on make application.
4. Click on name search, business/company option.
5. Read the instructions provided carefully before proceeding.
6. Click on apply now.
7. Choose the business entity then enter the name you want to search.
8. Provide a short description about your business or what it entails then click on proceed.
9. Review your application to confirm that you have correctly filled in the required details.
10. Submit your application.
11. You will then be required to make a payment, Kshs 150 which is the fee charged.
12. You can choose your preferred method of payment. Mpesa is the best method.
13. After making the payment, wait for a response from the Registrar of companies.
14. The whole process takes one day to complete.
