In the business world, the decision to change a business or company’s name is a strategic move that can breathe new life into its identity.

In Kenya, this process involves a series of crucial steps, from legal considerations to financial implications.

In this article, we will explore the intricacies of renaming a business in Kenya, shedding light on the processes involved and the associated costs.

Whether driven by repositioning in the market or adapting to evolving business landscapes, understanding the nuances of this transformation is key for entrepreneurs and business leaders alike.

Why Businesses Change Names

A business name is more than just words, it is a representation of your business ethos and brand.

Businesses or companies can change names either voluntarily or through the direction of the Business Registration Service (BSR).

Moreover Section 9 of the Registration of Business Names Act provides that a business may apply for change of name.

Additionally, Section 58 of the Companies Act and Section 21 (4) of the Limited Partnership provide that the Registrar may direct the company to change its names.

According to the Act, companies can change names under the following circumstances

1.Where there is brand confusion.

2.If the company has changed its products or strategies.

3.When the company name is too closely tied to a specific location e.g Mombasa yet it wishes to open more outlets or to expand the business to other locations.

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4.Where the Registrar of Companies gives directive for change of name under Section 58 of Companies Act, 2015.

5.It’s a legacy name which is no longer tenable. For instance, the founders or partners in a business name have dissolved.

 In Order to conduct change of business/company name in Kenya, you must ensure the following:

• An eCitizen account of a director or Certified Secretary or Advocate on record
• Intended new name.

The entire change of name procedure was initially conducted in eCitizen under Office of Attorney General and Department of Justice Department, currently the change of name is done under BRS department in eCitizen website.

Name Changing Process

The process of changing a business name is described below in the following ten steps.

Step 1. Log into e-Citizen, a business registration portal.

Step 2. Click on “view” under my business.

Step 3. Click on “Maintain a company”.

Step 4. Click on “Make application”.

Step 5. Select “Change of particulars” from the dropdown menu. Click on “change business name” then apply for a new name.

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Step 6. Fill in the required details and pay for the name reservation. For example, I am changing the business name from ‘A’ to ‘B’.

“Once the name is reserved, access the application through the same process as highlighted above. The system will select the reserved name. Highlight the name, click view and proceed with the change,” explains BRS.

Step 7. On approval, proceed to download form BN6 (change of name of business name).

Step 8. Sign and upload the document.

“The Business Name registration certificate must be uploaded in its respective window,” states BRS.

Step 9. Pay the required fees- Ksh.850 and submit the application for review.

Step 10. The Registrar shall issue a certificate of Change of Name.

The above procedure is what one should follow while seeking to change the name of a business or company.