When
you want to start a company or formal business, you should register it with the
Company Registry as this gives
you more credibility as it shows that your business is legitimate.
However, before registering, you must first conduct a name search. This way,
you get to avoid using already registered company names.
Before
you perform a name search it is important to note the following,
1. The
use of Initials are not allowed e.g J.K and Brian Enterprises
2. Names
with the word 'Foundation' must be Limited Ahadi Kenya)
3. Names
with Groups' , 'projects' and 'Holdings' must be limited.(Ahadi group limited)
4. Names
with 'Universities' must be limited. (Ahadi university limited)
5. Single
words are not accepted (Ahadi)
6. Offensive
or abusive words are not allowed either. Offensive words in vernacular (mother
tongue) are not allowed either.
7. Political
names e.g (Nairobi youth alliance) are not allowed
8. Numerics
are not allowed not unless its the current year eg (2015)
9. Names
starting with the word 'Kenya' are only reserved for the government.
10. Names
with 'Church' and 'Ministry or Ministries' are not allowed
11. Names
with 'Trust', 'Foundation', Programmes are not allowed
12. The
Registrar of Names does not register clubs
13. Names
with 'Relief' are not allowed
14. Names
with 'welfare', Organization, Association, are not allowed.
Now
that you have a name in mind. Here is what to do:
a) Click
on eCitizen and
either create or log in to your account.
b) Navigate
to the ‘Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice' and
click on it.
c) A
new page will appear. Click on the Make application' button.
d) On
the new page, find and click on ‘Name Search-Company/Business option.
e) Now
a new page with the instructions for the application process will appear. Take
time to go through them carefully. Once you are sure you have understood
everything, click on ‘Apply Now.
f) Now
choose the business entity for which you want to register once your name search
goes through.
g) Now
enter your proposed business name keeping in mind the name restrictions
outlined at the top of this post.
h) Give
a short but clear description of your business. This can include what the
business will be e.g. cyber café', nursery school, restaurant, etc.
i) Now
go through all the details provided and make sure everything is okay before
submitting your application. Once you are sure, click proceed.
j) Now
choose MPESA as your payment method and follow the provided instructions.
k) With
a successful payment, you now just have to wait for a response from the
registrar's office. This usually takes two o three days. Once the name
search is completed, you will receive an SMS notification with the status.
If
the name is successful, you can log in to your account and download your
registration certificate. If not, you will be requested to make corrections and
re-submit.
In
case you need support in the application, feel free to contact us on
0726982982.
