Apply for an official company search (CR12)
From: Government of Kenya (public information)
Published 2 June 2026 · Last updated 2 June 2026
Find out how to request an official company search to obtain a CR12 document in Kenya. This guide covers processing costs, required information, and verification metrics issued by the Registrar of Companies on eCitizen.
Warning This is an independent guide — not a government website. Never share passwords or OTPs with agents. Only pay through official portals. Scams and fake websites
No direct application link is listed yet. Try eCitizen or contact government.
Quick facts
- Processing time
- Instant to 2 working days (Instant if your digital record is clean; requires a manual queue if historical archives need verification)
- Base cost
- Ksh 650 flat fee
- How to apply
- Online (Digital submission)
Fees and times can change. Confirm on the official site before you pay.
Before you start
- The target company must be successfully linked to an active digital eCitizen BRS profile.
- The company must be active and compliant with all mandatory sequential annual return filings. If filings are pending, the system will block the CR12 generation.
Documents you need
- No physical paper uploads are required. You only need to input the target company's unique registration number or exact legal name.
Fees and charges
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| BRS Official Company Search (CR12 Generation Surcharge) | Ksh 600 |
| eCitizen Portal Convenience Charge | Ksh 50 |
Questions
What specific corporate details are listed on an official CR12 document?
A CR12 is the official certificate issued by the Registrar of Companies. It provides a legal overview, including: the company's precise incorporation name and number, registered postal and physical office address, the full list of active directors, the list of shareholders alongside their explicit share distribution balances, and any active debentures or financial charges registered against the firm.
How can a bank or government agency verify that my printed CR12 is genuine?
Every modern digital CR12 generated on eCitizen is embedded with a secure, unique QR code at the top or bottom of the page. Anyone can scan this barcode using a smartphone camera to pull up real-time metadata directly from the BRS live registry database to confirm its authenticity.