How to Change a Company’s Name in Kenya
By CMSME Club Team
Updated on March 25, 2025, 11:45 a.m.
Reading time: 5 minutes
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A company may decide to change its name for a number of reasons, such as rebranding, mergers, or in accordance with instructions from the Registrar. In Kenya, this is governed by the Companies Act, 2015. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process efficiently.
Step 1: Choose an appropriate name
It is crucial to first ensure that your choice of name is appropriate and unprohibited. Per Section 49 of the Companies Act, the Registrar has the power to reject a name application if:
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the use of the name constitutes an offence;
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the name uses abbreviations or initials that are unauthorised under the Act; or
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the Registrar believes the name is offensive
Additionally, the Registrar may also reject a choice in name if:
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it suggests a connection to the government or a public body (without approval)
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it is too similar to an existing company name
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it gives a misleading indication of the company’s activities
For example, if an e-commerce company registers under the name 'Kenya National Bank Limited,' the Registrar may direct the company to change its name because it gives a misleading indication of the company’s activities (suggesting it is a financial institution).
Step 2: Conduct a Name Search and Reserve It
Once you have chosen a new name, conduct a name search via the Business Registration Service (BRS) portal on eCitizen to ascertain if your choice of name is available. Please note that there is a small fee charged per name search. Under Section 48 of the Companies Act, the Registrar allows for the reservation of a name pending registration of a company or a name change. BRS allows you to submit a minimum of three names, in order of priority. If your chosen name is available, you may opt to reserve it to ensure no other company can claim it.
Step 3: Pass a resolution for the change of the company name
Convene a board meeting to pass a resolution approving the change of the company’s name. This resolution must be filed with the Registrar within 14 days after its passing, in accordance with Section 63 and 64 of the Companies Act. It is important to note that if your company’s Articles of Association or other constitutive documents provide an alternative process for changing a company name, this must be followed.
Step 4: Apply for a Change of Name with BRS
Visit the Business Registration Service (BRS) website through eCitizen to upload the executed CR15 (Notice of Change of Name) and CR19 (Notice of Special/Ordinary Resolution) forms as part of the application and pay a fee to complete the process. Once approved, the Registrar will issue a Certificate of Change of Name to complete the process.
HOW WE CAN HELP
At CM SME Club, we offer comprehensive company secretarial services, expert legal advice in company law, and provide a wide range of customisable company document templates. Contact us today at law@cmsmeclub.com to learn how we can support your company. We are your legal partner for SMEs in Kenya!
Written by: Cherono Barno
Published on March 25, 2025, 11:44 a.m.
