Business name search on eCitizen costs Ksh 150 per name and checks availability before registration via the Business Registration Service (BRS) portal.
Access eCitizen Portal
Log into your eCitizen account at https://brsv2.ecitizen.go.ke using your ID, phone, or email. New users must first create an account with national ID verification via OTP. Select “Business Registration Service (BRS)” from the services menu on the dashboard.
Navigate to Name Search
Click “Make Application” or “Get Services” under BRS. Choose “Name Search – Company/Business” or “Business Name Search & Reservation.” Read the instructions carefully, then select “Apply Now.”
Enter Proposed Names
Provide 3-5 preferred business names in order of priority (e.g., “Nairobi Cleaners Ltd,” “Nairobi Repairs Pro”). Specify the business entity type like sole proprietorship, limited company, or LLP. Add a brief description of your business activities.
Review and Submit
Preview all details for accuracy, including your applicant info (name, ID, contacts). Submit the application to generate an invoice for Ksh 150 per name searched.
Make Payment
Pay via M-Pesa (Lipa Na M-Pesa till for BRS), card, or bank transfer as prompted. Each name incurs Ksh 150; multiple names multiply the fee (e.g., 3 names = Ksh 450). Payment confirmation appears instantly on the dashboard.
Track and Receive Results
Monitor status under “My Applications” or “Pending Services.” Approval or rejection comes within 1-3 working days via email or portal notification. Approved names get reserved for 30 days; use them for full registration next.
Key Rules for Names
Avoid offensive words, numbers (except years), “Kenya” prefixes without approval, or existing trademarks. Rejections cite reasons like similarity to registered entities. Retry with variations if needed, paying Ksh 150 per new search.
This pre-registration step ensures your brand is unique under the Companies Act 2015. After approval, proceed to business name registration for Ksh 800-1,000. For issues, contact BRS via eCitizen support.