The following overview provides a detailed breakdown of the typical costs associated with establishing and maintaining a standard Private Limited Company (Ltd) in Kenya as of 2025. This information is focused exclusively on the official fees and recurring operational costs reported through government and major advisory portals.
Company Formation Costs in Kenya (2025)
Setting up a Private Limited Company in Kenya entails several statutory and compliance-related fees. Below is a summary table outlining each standard cost.
| Cost Item | Amount (KES) | USD Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|
| Business name reservation fee | KES 150 | $1.05 |
| Company registration fee (eCitizen) | KES 10,500 | $73.43 |
| Stamp duty (currently waived online) | KES 0 | $0.00 |
| CR12 (Company Registry search) | KES 600 | $4.20 |
| Lawyer/company secretary fees (average) | KES 6,500 | $45.47 |
| Minimum capital requirement | KES 100 | $0.70 |
| Total Average Startup Cost | KES 18,000 | $125.85 |
*USD conversions are based on a rate of KES 143 = $1 (approximate for 2025).
Annual Company Maintenance Costs
After incorporation, companies in Kenya must fulfill several ongoing obligations. Annual maintenance costs typically fall within the ranges outlined below for a standard, privately held company:
| Cost Item | Annual Amount (KES) | USD Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|
| Annual return filing fee (Registrar of Companies) | KES 500 | $3.50 |
| Company secretary (mandatory if share capital > KES 5 million; commonly used regardless for compliance) |
KES 5,000 | $35.00 |
| Accounting/auditing services (average for small companies) | KES 10,000 | $70.00 |
| Tax filing and compliance (KRA PIN, iTax, basic filings) | KES 500 | $3.50 |
| Business permit renewal (Nairobi, varies by county/business type) | KES 5,000 | $35.00 |
| Total Annual Maintenance Cost (min/max) | KES 6,000 – 25,000 | $42.00 – $175.00 |
*USD equivalents based on KES 143 = $1.
Key Points on Regulatory Fees and Procedures
- Most core steps in company formation can now be completed online via Kenya’s eCitizen portal.
- Stamp duty is currently waived for companies registering online, reducing upfront costs compared to earlier years.
- Company secretary fees are only mandatory if your share capital exceeds KES 5 million, but many companies retain professional secretarial services for compliance support even below this threshold.
- Business permit renewal costs can vary notably by county and the nature of the business. The figures above reflect common fees in Nairobi for standard business activities.
Pro Tips for Managing Company Setup and Compliance in Kenya
- Register your business name and start the company formation process through the official Business Registration Service to ensure you receive the most current rates and official guidance.
- Even if not strictly required, securing a qualified company secretary at an early stage is advisable for navigating compliance efficiently.
- Budget an additional 5–10% above statutory costs for incidental or county-specific charges not reflected in national averages.
- Keep track of annual return and tax filing deadlines using reminders on the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) portal to avoid penalties.
Where to Find Official Information
For authoritative details and the latest procedural updates, refer to the main websites of Kenya’s key regulatory agencies:
With all major elements digitized, Kenya’s company formation process is increasingly accessible and affordable in 2025. The initial capital needed is modest compared to many global peers, and annual maintenance costs remain predictable for well-managed companies. Keep in mind county-specific permit fees and professional service expenses when budgeting, and always rely on official sources for up-to-date guidance.