Link an old or manually registered business
From: Government of Kenya (public information)
Published 2 June 2026 · Last updated 2 June 2026
Find out how to migrate an old, manually registered business or company into the digital eCitizen database. This page covers verification requirements, timelines, and data onboarding rules for business owners.
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Quick facts
- Processing time
- 3 to 5 working days for the registry to manually verify archives and upload the record.
- Base cost
- Free (No government fee for standard onboarding, but portal convenience fee applies if updates are required)
- How to apply
- Online (Digital submission)
Fees and times can change. Confirm on the official site before you pay.
Before you start
- You must possess the original physical Certificate of Registration or Incorporation.
- The business must be active and not officially struck off or dissolved from the old paper registry books.
Documents you need
- Scanned clear color copy of the original physical Certificate of Incorporation or Registration.
- Scanned color copies of the original Memorandum and Articles of Association (for older companies).
- Scanned color copy of the company's old manually obtained KRA PIN certificate.
- Valid National ID card copies and updated personal KRA PIN numbers for all current directors.
Fees and charges
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| BRS Registry Records Migration / Business Linking Fee | Free |
| eCitizen Portal Verification Processing Charge | Ksh 50 |
Questions
What should I do if my business name or company cannot be found during the search setup?
If a manual search yields no results, your records might be archived under an older alphanumeric sequence. You will need to initiate a "Manual Records Retrieval" request inside the portal, providing your old entry file number so officers can physically locate the archive box.
Will linking my business generate a new company registration number?
No. Your original registration date and historical identification number remain unchanged. The linking process simply maps your existing unique legal identity into the modern cloud-based eCitizen ecosystem.