Turning your farming project into a fully registered business in Kenya not only builds trust with customers and suppliers — it also opens doors to government loans, tenders, and agribusiness partnerships. Whether you’re in poultry, dairy, horticulture, or mixed farming, it’s important to register your farm business in Kenya officially.
In this guide, Mkulima Jovial walks you through each step to ensure you set up legally and successfully.
Why Registering Your Farm Business Matters
Registering your agribusiness provides several advantages:
-
Access to government programs and subsidies
-
Ability to open a business bank account
-
Legal protection and credibility
-
Eligibility for tenders and partnerships
-
Access to cooperative societies, SACCOs, and NGOs
If you’re serious about turning your hustle into a lasting brand, then registering your farm business in Kenya is the right first step.
Step 1: Choose a Business Name
Your farm needs a unique identity. Start by brainstorming a name that reflects your work — like GreenHarvest Poultry Farm or Mt. Elgon Dairy Ltd.
How to Do a Name Search:
-
Go to the eCitizen portal.
-
Create an account if you don’t have one.
-
Navigate to “Business Registration Service.”
-
Search for name availability and pay KSh 150.
📌 Wait for approval within 1–2 business days.
Step 2: Choose the Right Business Structure
You can register your farm under several business types:
-
Sole Proprietorship: Easiest and cheapest; ideal for individuals.
-
Partnership: If you’re working with family or friends.
-
Limited Company: Offers liability protection; great for scaling.
-
Cooperative: Ideal for groups managing large farming projects.
✅ Most smallholder farmers start with a sole proprietorship and upgrade as they grow.
Step 3: Register the Business on eCitizen
Once your name is approved, continue registration:
-
Log into eCitizen
-
Select “Business Name Registration” or “Company Registration”
-
Fill in the details: owner info, location, and business nature
-
Pay registration fees (KSh 950 for sole proprietorship, KSh 10,650+ for a limited company)
📌 Approval typically takes 1–3 working days.
Step 4: Apply for a Business Permit
After registration, get a Single Business Permit from your county government. This permit legalizes your operations at a local level.
What You Need:
-
Copy of business registration certificate
-
National ID
-
KRA PIN
-
Business location details
🧾 Fees vary by county, but most range between KSh 2,000 and KSh 7,000 per year.
Step 5: Register with KRA for a PIN and Tax Obligations
Next, register with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) for a business PIN.
-
Log into itax.kra.go.ke
-
Choose “Online Services” → “Register PIN”
-
Choose “Non-Individual” if you’re registering a company
-
Receive your KRA PIN certificate instantly
📌 You’ll be expected to file annual tax returns or monthly VAT if applicable.
Step 6: Open a Business Bank Account
With your registration certificate, permit, and KRA PIN, you can now open a farm business account.
Benefits include:
-
Easy record keeping
-
Eligibility for agribusiness loans
-
Credibility with suppliers and buyers
✅ Banks like Equity, KCB, and Cooperative Bank have agriculture-friendly account options.
Optional: Register with Agricultural Boards and Cooperatives
Depending on your farming type, you may also need to register with:
-
Dairy Board of Kenya (for milk traders)
-
Horticultural Crops Directorate
-
Livestock Marketing Council
-
Cooperative Societies or Farmer Groups
This enhances your access to support services, subsidies, and regulated markets.
Final Thoughts from Mkulima Jovial
Registering your agribusiness is one of the smartest moves you can make in 2025. It shows you’re serious, organized, and ready to grow. Whether you’re a beginner or already farming commercially, don’t let paperwork delay your success.
At Mkulima Jovial, we support registered farm businesses with:
-
Branding and farm signage
-
Record books and invoices
-
Market access and buyer directories
-
Affordable tools for poultry, dairy, pig, and crop farmers
Take the next step and turn your farm into a registered, respected, and profitable enterprise.