How to Check if a Company is Legit In Kenya.
Introduction:
How to Check if a Company is Legit In Kenya.
Are you planning to engage in business with a company registered in Kenya? Are you not sure whether it is legit or not? Then you are in luck! For demonstration, I will use a web-design company. Say you want to build a website for your business and you go online and search "The best web development companies in Kenya". After conducting the search, Sino Soft Limited appears and you click on it. How do you check if the company is legit or scam?
Like other companies that offer services, a web development company is not an exception when it comes to registration. It's crucial to verify the legality of the company and obtain information about its directors before purchasing any services/products.
This blog post provides you with a step-by-step guide on how to perform a background check for a registered company in Kenya. By following these instructions, you can ensure that you avoid any potential risks associated with fraud activities or unauthorized business transactions.

Steps to verify the legitimacy of a Company.
Step 1: Access the E-Citizen Website
To begin the process of verifying a company's registration in Kenya, open your preferred search engine and search for "E-Citizen Kenya." Once the search results are displayed, click on the official E-Citizen website link. This platform is an online portal provided by the Kenyan government that offers various services, including business registration checks.
Step 2: Log In and Select the Business Registration Service
Log in to the E-Citizen website using your credentials.
If you don't have an account you'll have to Register.
After logging in, locate and click on the "Business Registration Service" link. This will direct you to a page that offers multiple services.
Step 3: Choose the Official Search Service
On the list of services, you will find several options. Look for "Official Search (Third Party Applications)" listed as Service Number 10. Click on this option. Please note that there is a fee of KSH 650 associated with this service.
Step 4: Perform the Company Search
Once you have selected the Official Search service, a pop-up notification will appear, informing you about the associated cost. Click on "Apply Now" to proceed. You will be directed to a page titled "Find a Business." Here, you can search for the company by its name or registration number.
Step 5: Access Company Details
After entering the company name or registration number, click on the particular company name from the search results. This will provide you with access to more detailed information about the company.
Step 6: Provide Your Postal Address and Complete the Application
To continue with the process, enter your postal address and postal code as required. Ensure that all the information requested by the Registrar of Companies is provided accurately. Once you have filled in the required fields, click on "Press and Continue."
Step 7: Make Payment
Proceed to the payment page and select your preferred payment mode. Choose the option that suits you best, and make the payment of KSH 650. Once the payment is successfully processed, click on "Confirm Payment."
Step 8: Download the Form CR12
After confirming the payment, you will be redirected to a page called "Application Details." Here, you can download the Form CR12, which contains all the company details you need, including information about the company's directors.
Conclusion:
By following the above steps, you can easily check if a company is legit in Kenya. The introduction of the Business Registration Service (BRS) and the user-friendly E-Citizen platform have made this process straightforward and accessible to all.
Conducting due diligence before engaging in business transactions can help protect you from potential fraud and ensure that you are dealing with a legally registered company. For more comprehensive company background checks or assistance outside the scope of the Company Registrar's domain, feel free to reach out for further guidance.
Important article to read before embarking on any business in Kenya. Thank you for the great insights.