Business and self-employed
Starting and running a business involves national registries, tax registration and often county licences. This page points you to the right type of process.
This page is guidance only. CitizenGuide.KE does not process applications or take payments. Use official government portals for transactions.
Registering a business
Business names and companies are registered through the Business Registration Service / official company registry channels, often via eCitizen. You will usually also need a KRA PIN and may need sector licences.
A single business permit is typically issued by the county government where you operate. Requirements differ by county and activity.
Employing people
Employers have duties under labour law, including statutory deductions where applicable (tax, social security, health contributions as required by current law).
Sector regulators (for example energy, food safety, transport) issue additional licences.
Related on this website
More topics
- Identity and civil registrationBirth and death certificates, national ID, marriage registration and police clearance.
- Passports, visas and travelKenyan passports, travel documents, eTA and living or working abroad.
- Driving and transportLearner permits, driving licences, vehicle transfer and NTSA-related processes.
- Money, tax and pensionsKRA PIN, tax returns, compliance checks and social security basics.
- Health and social carePublic health cover, hospitals and high-level guidance on government health systems.
- Education and trainingBasic education, exams, university placement, HELB and TVET overview.
- Land, housing and propertyLand search, rates, titles and property-related public processes.
- Work and employmentLabour rights overview, workplace issues and public service employment pointers.