This archive report was first published on 23 June 2020.
Conducting a Business Name Search in Kenya ¶
Published on June 23, 2020, by TechMoran, this article provides a step-by-step guide on how to conduct a business name search in Kenya.
Having a registered business gives you more credibility and thus more customer flow because it shows that your business activities are legitimate. However, before registering, you must first conduct a name search to avoid using already registered company names.
According to the Attorney General's Office, any business name with the words 'Groups', 'Projects', or 'Holdings' must be limited. For example, Mawe Group Limited. Single worded names are not viable, and you cannot use numbers in the business name unless it is the number for the current year.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Go to the eCitizen portal and log in.
- Click on the 'Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice' and then click on 'Make application'.
- On the new page, find and click on 'Name Search-Company/Business' option.
- Enter your proposed business name, keeping in mind the name restrictions outlined above.
- Give a short but clear description of your business.
- Choose MPESA as your payment method and follow the provided instructions.
- Wait for a response from the registrar's office, which usually takes a minimum of one business day.
With a successful payment, you now just have to wait for a response from the registrar's office. This usually takes a minimum of one business day.
