File your company annual return and beneficial ownership information
From: Government of Kenya (public information)
Published 2 June 2026 · Last updated 2 June 2026
Find out how to submit your mandatory yearly company annual return and declare beneficial ownership disclosures on eCitizen. This guide covers compliance deadlines, penalties, and required filings to maintain active status with the Registrar of Companies.
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Quick facts
- Processing time
- Instant (The portal generates an official compliance clearance receipt immediately upon payment verification)
- Base cost
- Ksh 1,050 flat fee per filing year
- How to apply
- Online (Digital submission)
Fees and times can change. Confirm on the official site before you pay.
Before you start
- The company must be successfully linked to an active corporate profile on the eCitizen BRS portal.
- You must clear any pending annual return filings chronologically (e.g., you cannot file for 2026 if 2025 is still pending).
Documents you need
- Updated structural information detailing active directors, shareholders, and nominal share capital splits.
- Physical or digital address confirmation (LR number, building name, street, town).
- Full identity details for any human individual holding 10% or more of shares or voting rights (for Beneficial Ownership disclosures).
Fees and charges
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| BRS Annual Return Filing Surcharge (Per filing year) | Ksh 1,000 |
| Beneficial Ownership Initial Filing/Update Surcharge | Free |
| eCitizen Portal Convenience Charge (Per Transaction) | Ksh 50 |
Questions
What happens if my company fails to file annual returns on eCitizen?
Failing to file returns will block your portal from accessing any other registry services (such as downloading a CR12 or making director changes). Furthermore, the Registrar of Companies can flag your company as inactive, impose statutory fines, or completely strike the company off the register.
Do I need to attach audited financial statements to file my annual return?
For standard small-scale private limited companies, attaching audited accounts is optional during the automated online filing wizard on eCitizen. However, large public companies (Plcs) must attach their audited financial balances.