KE · S 1°17′ · E 36°49′
Kenya
A private limited company is the usual local operating vehicle for overseas investors entering East Africa, trading, or providing local services. Incorporation is online, but licences, tax registration, and foreign personnel arrangements must match the activity.
Key points on one page.
- Tax
- CIT 30%; an MNE group above EUR 750m revenue tops up to 15% where its Kenya rate is lower
- Shareholders and directors
- Min. 1 shareholder and 1 natural-person director
- Share capital
- No general statutory minimum share capital; declare nominal capital on incorporation
- Local requirements
- Kenyan registered office required; county, sector and foreign-work approvals depend on activity
- Annual maintenance
- Annual return and tax filing; IT2C is due within 6 months after the accounting period
- Incorporation timeline
- BRS target: 3–5 business days for a complete incorporation; tax and permits take extra time
- Public disclosure
- Director and shareholder data are filed with the Registrar; beneficial-owner data are not public
Facts last checked · 2026-10-23
This page summarises publicly available regulations for general reference only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Rules in each jurisdiction may change at any time; please confirm the latest position with an Offshore Isle advisor.
References (7)›
- 01Kenya Business Registration Service — Entities Registered Under BRS
- 02Kenya Business Registration Service — Fee Schedule, Companies Registry
- 03Kenya Law — Companies Act, 2015
- 04Kenya Revenue Authority — Taxation for Companies and Partnerships
- 05PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries — Kenya: Taxes on Corporate Income
- 06Kenya Law — Companies Beneficial Ownership Information Regulations, 2020
- 07Kenya Directorate of Immigration Services — Class G Permit
02 · Advantages
Why Kenya
- 01Regional entry point for the East African Community market
- 02Private companies can be incorporated online and may have up to 50 members
- 03Qualifying EPZ and SEZ projects can access reduced corporate tax rates
03 · Requirements
Formation requirements
- After name approval, submit CR1, CR2, CR8 and the nominal-capital statement through eCitizen
- Provide identity and contact details for shareholders, directors and beneficial owners
- Foreign persons conducting business in Kenya should assess a Class G work permit for their activity
04 · Compliance
Annual compliance
- File the annual return through BRS and keep company particulars current
- File the IT2C company return via iTax within 6 months after the accounting period ends
- Update the beneficial-owner record and notify the Registrar within 14 days of a change
After incorporation, Offshore Isle sets a compliance calendar. We remind you in advance of annual returns, renewals and filings, and handle them on your behalf.
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