A company name search in Kenya is the first formal step in the registration process and one of the most commonly mishandled. The BRS name search through the eCitizen portal costs KES 150, takes one to two business days, and reserves your approved name for 30 days.
In Kenya, company and business name searches are handled online through the Business Registration Service (BRS) on the eCitizen platform. The process is straightforward once you know where to go and what information to provide.
Find out below how to do a company name search in Kenya, reserve a name through eCitizen BRS, avoid common rejection mistakes, and move from name approval to company registration without unnecessary delays. Ultimus Advisory handles name searches as the first step in the registration process for every client, and the guidance in this article reflects what we see in practice.
Also Read: How to Get a KRA PIN for Your Limited Company in Kenya: A Step-by-Step Guide
What Is a Company Name Search in Kenya?
A company name search in Kenya is the process of checking whether a proposed company or business name is already registered, reserved, or too similar to an existing name. The search is conducted through the BRS, which maintains the official register of companies and business names in Kenya.
When your proposed name is approved, BRS temporarily reserves it for you. During the reservation period, no one else can register that exact name, giving you time to complete the incorporation process.
A name search is required before registering:
- A Private Limited Company (Ltd)
- A Public Limited Company (PLC)
- A Business Name (sole proprietorship or partnership)
- A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
- Other entities registered through BRS
If the name is rejected, you must submit a new application with a different proposed name.
Company Name vs Business Name in Kenya
Many first-time entrepreneurs confuse a company name with a business name, but they are not the same thing.
| Company Name | Business Name |
| Used for limited companies | Used for sole proprietorships and partnerships |
| Creates a separate legal entity | Does not create a separate legal entity |
| Owners have limited liability (subject to the law) | Owners remain personally liable for the business |
| Usually ends with Ltd or PLC | Usually does not include Ltd |
| Suitable for businesses planning to grow, hire staff, or attract investors | Suitable for smaller or simpler business operations |
The BRS name search process is accessed through the same eCitizen portal for both, so make sure you select the correct entity type when submitting your application.
What You Need Before Starting the BRS Name Search
Preparation makes the process much faster. Before logging into eCitizen, have the following ready:
- An eCitizen account
- At least three proposed names in order of preference
- Your National ID or passport details
- Your KRA PIN
- A valid email address and phone number
- A payment method supported by eCitizen (such as M-Pesa or a bank card)
Submitting only one name is risky because it may already be taken or may not meet BRS naming requirements. Having alternatives saves time if your first choice is rejected.
Step-by-Step: How to Do a Company Name Search via eCitizen
The name search is conducted through the BRS portal on the eCitizen platform. The process is fully online and takes less than ten minutes to initiate once your eCitizen account is active.
Step 1: Log in to eCitizen
Go to the official eCitizen portal and sign in using your ID number and password. If you don’t have an account, create one first and complete the verification process.
Step 2: Open the BRS
After logging in, locate Business Registration Service (BRS) among the available government services. Click it to access company and business registration functions.
Step 3: Select Name Search / Name Reservation
Choose the option for Name Search, Name Reservation, or Company Name Search depending on the menu displayed. This is the section used to check business name availability in Kenya.
Step 4: Enter Your Proposed Name
Type your preferred name exactly as you want it to appear on the registration documents. For a limited company, include Limited or Ltd if applicable.
For example:
- Savannah Tech Solutions Ltd
- Nairobi Green Farms Limited
- Dexta Property Deals Limited
Avoid unnecessary punctuation, symbols, or overly generic wording.
Step 5: Choose the Correct Entity Type
Select whether you are registering a Private Limited Company, Business Name, LLP, or another entity type. Choosing the wrong category can lead to rejection or require you to repeat the process.
Step 6: Pay the Name Search Fee
eCitizen will generate a payment request for the name search fee. Pay the name search fee of KES 150 through the eCitizen payment options, which include M-Pesa, Airtel Money, and debit card. Keep the transaction confirmation for your records.
Step 7: Submit the Application
Review the details carefully, then submit the application. Once submitted, the request is forwarded to BRS for review.
Step 8: Track the Status
You can monitor the progress of your application through your eCitizen dashboard. BRS will indicate whether the name has been approved, rejected, or referred for further review. You may also receive an email or SMS notification when the status changes.
How Long Does Business Name Approval Take in Kenya?
Most eCitizen name reservation applications are processed within 1 to 3 working days. Processing times can vary depending on the volume of applications being handled by BRS. Some names require additional review, especially if they:
- resemble existing registered names;
- contain regulated or sensitive words;
- include geographical or governmental references; or
- raise questions about possible trademark conflicts.
Checking your eCitizen dashboard regularly is the easiest way to monitor progress.
How Long Is a Company Name Reserved in Kenya?
When BRS approves your proposed name, it is usually reserved for 30 days. During this period, you should complete the company or business registration process.
If the reservation expires before registration is completed, the name may become available for other applicants. Businesses that need more time should check whether renewal or extension options are available through the BRS system at the time of application.
Starting the incorporation process soon after approval helps avoid losing a name you’ve already invested time and branding effort into.
Kenya’s BRS Naming Rules: What You Should Check Before Submitting
Most applicants know how to submit a company name search in Kenya, but many don’t know why names get rejected. A few simple checks before you submit can save you several days of back-and-forth with BRS and increase the chances of getting approval on the first attempt.
The Name Must Be Clearly Different from Existing Businesses
BRS does not only reject names that are exactly the same as an existing company. It also checks whether a proposed name is too similar in spelling, pronunciation, or overall appearance to a name that is already registered or reserved.
For example, if Greenfield Logistics Ltd already exists, a name such as Greenfields Logistics Ltd may still be rejected because it is likely to create confusion. Changing a single letter, adding punctuation, or using a plural form is often not enough to make a name sufficiently distinct.
Adding a Location Does Not Automatically Create a New Name
A common mistake is assuming that adding Kenya, Nairobi, East Africa, or another location makes an existing name acceptable. In many cases, BRS will still treat the proposed name as confusingly similar to the original. A stronger approach is to choose a name that has a genuinely different brand identity rather than relying on a geographic addition.
Use the Correct Company Ending
If you are registering a Private Limited Company, the proposed name must end with Limited or Ltd. This is a legal requirement, not a branding preference. A name submitted without the required suffix is likely to be rejected even if the rest of the name is acceptable. Public companies must use PLC or Public Limited Company as the final part of the registered name.
Keep the Name Short and Practical
BRS allows company names of up to 160 characters, including spaces. Although this limit is generous, very long descriptive names tend to create problems in practice. Shorter names are easier to remember, easier to use on contracts and invoices, and generally have a higher chance of being accepted without queries from the registry.
Avoid Restricted or Sensitive Words
Section 50 of the Companies Act, 2015 prohibits names that suggest a connection with a State organ, county government, or public authority unless specific approval has been granted.
Terms such as Bank, Insurance, University, Authority, Commission, Government, and National may require additional approvals or may be rejected if the company is not authorized to use them. Words that are offensive, abusive, or misleading in any language, including Kenyan vernacular languages, are also prohibited.
Names of Dissolved or Struck-Off Companies
BRS can also decline registration if the name is similar to that of a company that has been dissolved or struck off the register. Many applicants assume that if a company no longer exists, its name is freely available. That is not always the case.
The registry retains records of dissolved entities, and names that are substantially similar to recently dissolved companies may still be refused on the grounds that they could mislead the public about the entity’s history or credentials.
Tips for Choosing a Name That Gets Approved Faster
A distinctive name improves both your chances of approval and your long-term branding. Consider these practical tips:
- Combine unique words rather than using only common business terms.
- Include a brand element that distinguishes your business from competitors.
- Keep the name reasonably short and easy to pronounce.
- Avoid copying well-known company names or trademarks.
- Check whether the matching website domain and social media handles are available if you plan to build an online presence.
For example, Savannah Crest Analytics Ltd is more distinctive than Kenya Analytics Ltd.
What Happens After Your Name Is Approved?
Name approval is only the first stage. After BRS approves your company name, you should proceed with incorporation by preparing the required registration documents, including:
- Directors’ and shareholders’ details
- Registered office address
- Statement of capital and shareholding
- Memorandum of Association
- Articles of Association
- Beneficial ownership register information where required
Once the application is submitted and approved, BRS issues a Certificate of Incorporation, which officially creates the company as a legal entity.
Reserve Your Company Name with Ultimus Advisory
A rejected company name can delay your business launch, affect branding plans, and create unnecessary frustration. Professional assistance helps you choose a distinctive name, avoid common rejection issues, and move quickly from reservation to incorporation.
At Ultimus Advisory, we help entrepreneurs and businesses with:
- Company name searches in Kenya
- BRS name search applications
- eCitizen name reservation
- Company incorporation and statutory filings
- Memorandum and Articles of Association preparation
- Beneficial ownership and KRA registration support
Contact Ultimus Advisory today if you need help checking business name availability in Kenya or completing your company registration through eCitizen BRS.
FAQs
Can I do a company name search without an eCitizen account?
No. You need an eCitizen account to submit a BRS name search or eCitizen name reservation application. Creating an account is free and only takes a few minutes if you have your identification details ready.
How much does a company name search cost in Kenya?
A company name search in Kenya costs KES 150 per search. The fee is paid through the eCitizen BRS portal when you submit your name reservation application, and each proposed name submitted is charged separately.
Can I reserve more than one name?
Yes. You can submit separate applications for different proposed names if you want to secure multiple options, although each application attracts its own fee. This is useful if you are still deciding between several strong brand names and want to avoid losing your preferred alternatives.
What if my preferred name is rejected?
You can submit a new application using another proposed name. Reading the rejection reason carefully can help you choose a better alternative and avoid repeating the same mistake.
Is a name search the same as company registration?
No. A company name search Kenya application only checks availability and reserves the name temporarily. Once the name is approved, you must still complete the incorporation process by submitting the required company registration documents.
Can foreigners perform a BRS name search?
Yes. Foreign nationals can conduct a name search and register companies in Kenya, although additional identification and compliance requirements may apply during incorporation. Many foreign investors use local registration professionals to help them navigate the eCitizen and BRS procedures more efficiently.
