A change of company name is the legal process of replacing a company’s registered name while keeping the same legal entity. It allows businesses to rebrand, reflect a change in direction, or align their identity with growth while preserving their existing registration, assets, contracts, and corporate history.
Changing a company name is a common step for businesses that are rebranding, expanding into new markets, restructuring ownership, or adopting a name that better reflects their current operations. In Kenya, the change must be approved by the Business Registration Service (BRS) and registered through the eCitizen platform before the new name becomes legally effective.
At Ultimus Advisory, we help companies handle the entire change of company name in Kenya process. Our team can assist with the BRS name search, preparation of shareholder resolutions, filing of the eCitizen BRS name change application, and updating the company’s tax and corporate records after approval.
Also Read: How to Get a Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) in Kenya and Why It Matters
What Does a Company Name Change in Kenya Mean?
A company name change updates the registered legal name of an existing company. The company itself does not cease to exist and a new company is not created.
For example, if Savannah Digital Solutions Ltd changes its name to Savannah Growth Technologies Ltd, the company remains the same legal entity with the same registration number. Existing contracts, KRA PIN, bank accounts, tax obligations, employees, and assets generally continue under the same company unless specific agreements require separate updates.
This distinction is important because many business owners mistakenly believe they must register a new company when rebranding. In most cases, a formal change of company name is sufficient.
Common Reasons Companies Change Their Names
Businesses change their names for many legitimate commercial reasons. The most common include:
- Rebranding after a change in business strategy or market positioning.
- Expansion into new products or services where the old name is too restrictive.
- Mergers or acquisitions that require a unified brand identity.
- Trademark or intellectual property conflicts with another business.
- International expansion where a different name works better across multiple markets.
- Ownership changes where the previous name is closely associated with former shareholders or founders.
- Modernization of an outdated or difficult-to-market business name.
Whatever the reason, the change should be completed through the official BRS process before the company begins using the new name on contracts, invoices, tax documents, or regulatory filings.
Can Any Company Change Its Name in Kenya?
Yes. A private limited company, public limited company, or other company registered under the Companies Act, 2015 can apply to change its name, provided it complies with the legal requirements and obtains approval from the Business Registration Service.
The proposed new name must meet the same naming rules that apply to newly incorporated companies. BRS will reject names that are:
- Identical or confusingly similar to existing registered or reserved names
- Contain restricted or prohibited words without the necessary approvals
- Suggest a connection with government or regulated institutions where none exists
- Misleading, offensive, or contrary to public policy
Before starting the name change process, it is advisable to conduct a BRS name search to confirm that the proposed new name is available.
Legal Basis for a Company Name Change in Kenya
Under the Companies Act, 2015, a company may change its name by passing a special resolution of its members and obtaining approval from the Registrar of Companies.
The key legal steps are:
- The shareholders approve the proposed new name through a special resolution.
- The company applies to the BRS for approval of the new name.
- The Registrar issues a Certificate of Change of Name once the application is approved.
The new name becomes legally effective on the date shown on the certificate issued by BRS.
Documents Required for a Change of Company Name
Before applying through eCitizen BRS, prepare the following documents:
- A copy of the company’s Certificate of Incorporation.
- The proposed new company name approved through the BRS name search process.
- A special resolution approving the company name change.
- Details of the company’s directors and authorized signatories.
- Forms CR15 and CR19, which are generated automatically by the BRS during the application process. These forms must be downloaded from eCitizen, signed by the authorized persons, scanned, and uploaded back to the system before the application can be submitted for approval.
- Any additional supporting documents requested by BRS.
The special resolution is one of the most important documents in the application because it provides formal evidence that the shareholders have approved the proposed name change in accordance with the Companies Act, 2015.
Step-by-Step Process for Changing a Company Name Through eCitizen BRS
Once you have identified the new company name you want to use, the next step is to complete the official eCitizen BRS name change process. The application is done online and is completed in several stages.
Step 1: Log in to eCitizen
Sign in to your eCitizen account and open the BRS. Go to My Businesses and choose the company whose name you want to change.
Step 2: Begin the Company Name Change Request
Navigate to the Maintain Company section and select Change of Name. Add your preferred names in the order you would like BRS to consider them and pay the KES 4,050 government filing fee. Once done, submit the request for name review by the Registrar.
Step 3: Wait for the Registrar’s Response
BRS will examine the names you submitted and check whether they are already registered, reserved, or too similar to existing companies. The review normally takes a few working days. If the Registrar needs clarification or asks for changes, you’ll receive an update through your eCitizen dashboard, and in many cases an SMS alert as well.
Step 4: Add the Shareholders’ Approval Details
Once one of the proposed names has been approved, return to the application and provide the information from the special resolution passed by the shareholders. Include the date of the resolution and confirm which director or directors will approve the filing electronically on behalf of the company.
Step 5: Process Forms CR15 and CR19
After the resolution details have been entered, eCitizen will generate CR15 and CR19 automatically. Save the forms, arrange for the required signatures, then scan the signed copies and upload them back into the application. The Registrar will not process the request until the signed versions have been uploaded correctly.
Step 6: Send the Application for Registration
Before submitting the file, go through each section carefully. Check that the resolution, CR15, CR19, and any supporting documents are attached and clearly legible. When everything is in order, submit the application for review by the Registrar of Companies.
Step 7: Download the Certificate of Change of Name
After approval, the Certificate of Change of Name will appear in your eCitizen account for download. The effective date printed on that certificate is the date from which the company is officially recognised under its new registered name, and you can begin updating your bank, KRA, licensing, and contractual records accordingly.
How Long Does a Change of Company Name Process Take?
For an application with properly prepared documents, the process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. The timeline may be longer if the proposed name requires additional review, the uploaded documents are incomplete or unclear, the special resolution contains errors, or BRS raises queries that require clarification or resubmission.
Companies planning a major rebrand should allow sufficient time for both the regulatory approval process and the subsequent updating of bank, tax, licensing, and contractual records.
How Much Does It Cost to Change a Company Name in Kenya?
A change of company name in Kenya costs KES 4,050. The total cost usually includes the name search fee, the official BRS filing fee for the change of name, any eCitizen transaction charges, and any professional or legal fees if you engage a company registration firm or lawyer to prepare the documents and handle the filing.
The exact government charges are displayed on the eCitizen BRS payment page at the time of application. Businesses should also budget for the practical costs of updating stationery, signage, marketing materials, websites, and other corporate records after approval.
What Happens After the Name Change Is Approved?
Receiving the Certificate of Change of Name is not the final step. Your company should update all records that display the old name, including:
- KRA iTax records and tax certificates.
- Business bank accounts and banking mandates.
- Contracts, invoices, and purchase orders.
- Business licenses and regulatory permits.
- Employment contracts and HR records.
- Company website, email addresses, and social media profiles.
- Letterheads, receipts, and official stationery.
Informing customers, suppliers, lenders, insurers, and other business partners promptly helps avoid confusion and ensures payments and correspondence continue without interruption.
Does the Company Get a New Registration Number?
No. A change of company name does not change the company’s registration number. The company continues using the same incorporation number that was assigned when it was originally registered.
This is one of the main advantages of changing the name of an existing company rather than incorporating a new entity. The business retains its corporate history, contracts, licenses, tax records, and legal continuity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Doing a Change of Company Name
Many change of company name Kenya applications are delayed because of a few avoidable errors. Before submitting your application through eCitizen BRS, check that you have not made any of the following mistakes:
- Using a name that has not been approved through a BRS name search.
- Failing to pass a properly drafted special resolution authorizing the name change.
- Uploading unsigned, incomplete, or unclear documents, including CR15 and CR19.
- Submitting scanned documents that are difficult to read or missing required pages.
- Starting to use the new company name before receiving the Certificate of Change of Name.
- Forgetting to update KRA records, bank accounts, licenses, and contracts after approval.
- Choosing a new name that is too similar to an existing registered or reserved company, increasing the likelihood of rejection.
Treat a company name change as both a legal compliance process and an operational business update. Getting approval from BRS is only the first step. Updating your tax, banking, licensing, and customer-facing records is what makes the transition fully effective.
When Should You Consider Professional Assistance?
A simple name change for a small company may be manageable internally. Professional assistance is particularly valuable where the company has multiple shareholders, foreign shareholders or directors, existing contracts that require review, regulated licenses or permits, ongoing tender or procurement activities, or complex banking and tax arrangements.
At Ultimus Advisory, we handle BRS name searches for companies, prepare shareholder resolutions, file eCitizen BRS name change applications, update KRA records, and manage the post-approval compliance steps required after a company name change. Our team ensures that the legal filing, tax updates, and corporate records are coordinated properly so that the business can continue operating without unnecessary disruption.
Get Expert Help with a Change of Company Name in Kenya
Changing a company name is more than a branding exercise. The process involves BRS name approval, a special resolution, CR15 and CR19 filings, and important updates to your KRA records, bank accounts, licenses, contracts, and other corporate documents.
At Ultimus Advisory, we help businesses manage the entire change of company name in Kenya process from start to finish. Our team can conduct the BRS name search, prepare the required resolutions and statutory documents, file the eCitizen BRS name change application, and assist with the post-approval updates needed to keep your company fully compliant.
If you are planning to rebrand, restructure, or update your company’s registered name, get in touch with Ultimus Advisory today. Our team of professionals will help you complete the process quickly, correctly, and with minimal disruption to your business operations.
FAQs
Can I change my company name online in Kenya?
Yes. The entire change of company name process is completed through the eCitizen BRS portal, including document submission and payment of the applicable fees.
Do I need shareholder approval to change a company name?
Yes. A special resolution passed by the company’s shareholders is required before the application can be submitted to BRS. The resolution serves as formal evidence that the members have approved the proposed new name.
How long is a reserved name valid during the name change process?
An approved name reservation is generally valid for a limited period, commonly 30 days, so it is advisable to complete the name change application promptly after the reservation is approved.
Will my contracts become invalid after a company name change?
No. The company remains the same legal entity, so existing contracts generally continue in force. Notifying counterparties and updating the company name on future correspondence and documentation is still recommended.
Do I need a new KRA PIN after changing my company name?
No. The company keeps the same KRA PIN, but the name associated with that PIN should be updated with KRA so that tax records and certificates reflect the new registered name.
Can BRS reject my proposed new company name?
Yes. BRS may reject a name that is identical or confusingly similar to an existing company, contains restricted words without approval, is misleading, or does not comply with the Companies Act naming rules. Conducting a proper company name search Kenya application before filing significantly reduces the risk of rejection.
