How to Conduct a Business Name Search in Kenya
When you want to start a company or formal business, you should register it with the Company Registry as this gives you more credibility as it shows that your business is legitimate. However, before registering, you must first conduct a name search. This way, you get to avoid using already registered company names.
Before you perform a name search it is important to note the following,
1. The use of Initials are not allowed e.g J.K and Brian Enterprises
2. Names with the word ‘Foundation’ must be Limited Ahadi Kenya)
3. Names with Groups’ , ‘projects’ and ‘Holdings’ must be limited.(Ahadi group limited)
4. Names with ‘Universities’ must be limited. (Ahadi university limited)
5. Single words are not accepted (Ahadi)
6. Offensive or abusive words are not allowed either. Offensive words in vernacular (mother tongue) are not allowed either.
7. Political names e.g (Nairobi youth alliance) are not allowed
8. Numerics are not allowed not unless its the current year eg (2015)
9. Names starting with the word ‘Kenya’ are only reserved for the government.
10. Names with ‘Church’ and ‘Ministry or Ministries’ are not allowed
11. Names with ‘Trust’, ‘Foundation’, Programmes are not allowed
12. The Registrar of Names does not register clubs
13. Names with ‘Relief’ are not allowed
14. Names with ‘welfare’, Organization, Association, are not allowed.
Now that you have a name in mind. Here is what to do:
a) Click on eCitizen and either create or log in to your account.
b) Navigate to the Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice’ and click on it.
c) A new page will appear. Click on the Make application’ button.
d) On the new page, find and click on Name Search-Company/Business option.
e) Now a new page with the instructions for the application process will appear. Take time to go through them carefully. Once you are sure you have understood everything, click on Apply Now.
f) Now choose the business entity for which you want to register once your name search goes through.
g) Now enter your proposed business name keeping in mind the name restrictions outlined at the top of this post.
h) Give a short but clear description of your business. This can include what the business will be e.g. cyber café’, nursery school, restaurant, etc.
i) Now go through all the details provided and make sure everything is okay before submitting your application. Once you are sure, click proceed.
j) Now choose MPESA as your payment method and follow the provided instructions.
k) With a successful payment, you now just have to wait for a response from the registrar’s office. This usually takes two to three days. Once the name search is completed, you will receive an SMS notification with the status.
If the name is successful, you can log in to your account and download your registration certificate. If not, you will be requested to make corrections and re-submit.
In case you need support in the application, feel free to contact us on 0726982982.