Full Legal Support for Chinese-speaking clients.

Business Setup Specialists 1,110+ Google Reviews — Excellent LSK-Registered Advocates Nairobi & Mombasa Offices 20+ Years Experience Company Formation Experts Walk-In Service Available 24/7 Client Support Business Setup Specialists 1,110+ Google Reviews — Excellent LSK-Registered Advocates Nairobi & Mombasa Offices 20+ Years Experience Company Formation Experts Walk-In Service Available 24/7 Client Support
Business & Company Law · Nairobi & Mombasa, Kenya

Business Setup
in Kenya
Expert Legal Guidance

Trusted Advocates Helping Entrepreneurs & Investors Launch Businesses in Kenya.

Starting a business in Kenya shouldn't mean navigating complex regulations alone. F.M. Muteti & Co. Advocates are Kenya's trusted business setup lawyers, guiding local entrepreneurs and foreign investors through company registration, licensing, compliance and everything in between. 20+ years. 1,110+ Google reviews. Two offices.

20+
Years Practice
1,110+
Google Reviews
30+
Yrs Combined Exp.
24/7
Client Support
✦ Free Consultation — No Obligation

Starting a Business
in Kenya? We'll Guide You.

Talk to our business law advocates today. We'll review your business concept and advise on the best legal structure, registration requirements and compliance — at no initial cost.

📋 Get Free Business Setup Advice → 📞 Call Now: +254 769 554 444 WhatsApp Us Directly
1,110+ Google Reviews
24/7 Client Support
Walk-In Offices
LSK Registered

🔒 Attorney-client privilege applies from first contact.

1,110+
Google Reviews
Excellent
20+
Years of
Legal Practice
30+
Combined Yrs
Experience
25+
Practice
Areas
2
Offices — Nairobi
& Mombasa
🏆 The Lawyer Africa 2023 · Lawzana Verified · LSK Registered
Why Business Setup in Kenya Requires Legal Expertise

Setting Up a Business Without
Proper Legal Guidance Is Risky

Kenya's business registration landscape involves multiple agencies, permits, tax obligations and sector-specific regulations that catch entrepreneurs off guard.

⚠️
Complex Registration Requirements

Kenya's business setup process involves the Registrar of Companies, KRA for tax PINs, county government permits, NSSF, NHIF and sector-specific licences. Missing any single step can result in penalties, operational shutdowns or legal liability.

📋
Wrong Business Structure Chosen

Choosing between a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited company or branch office has massive implications for taxation, liability and future investment. The wrong choice can cost you significantly in the long run.

Foreign Investor Compliance Traps

Foreign investors face additional requirements including investment certificates from KENINVEST, work permits, capital controls and sector restrictions under FIPA. Non-compliance can mean deportation or business closure.

Business Setup & Company Formation Services

Complete Business Setup
Legal Services in Kenya

  • 01
    Company Registration & Incorporation

    We handle full incorporation of private limited companies, public companies, LLPs and sole proprietorships at the Registrar of Companies (eCitizen/BRS). Articles of Association, share structure, director appointments — all done right.

  • 02
    Business Name Registration

    We register your business name with the Registrar, conduct name searches for availability and ensure your chosen name complies with Kenya's naming regulations and doesn't infringe existing trademarks.

  • 03
    Tax Registration & Compliance

    We register your business with KRA for PIN, VAT (where applicable), PAYE and all other tax obligations. We ensure your business is tax-compliant from day one.

  • 04
    Licences & Permits

    We obtain all necessary business permits from county governments, sector regulators (CBK, CMA, KEPHIS, EPRA etc.) and ensure your business operates fully within the law.

  • 05
    Foreign Investor Setup

    We assist foreign investors with company registration, investment certificates from KENINVEST, director work permits, foreign exchange compliance and sector-specific approvals under the Foreign Investment Protection Act.

  • 06
    Partnership & Shareholder Agreements

    We draft legally robust partnership agreements, shareholder agreements, JV structures and investment term sheets that protect your interests and prevent future disputes.

  • 07
    Employment & HR Compliance

    We ensure your new business complies with Kenya's Employment Act, set up NSSF and NHIF registrations, draft employment contracts and create legally compliant HR policies.

  • 08
    Business Structuring & Advisory

    Not sure which legal entity is best for your business? We advise on optimal structures for taxation, liability protection, investor readiness and operational efficiency.

"We've helped hundreds of businesses launch successfully in Kenya — from one-person startups to multinational subsidiaries."

20+
Years Practice
1,110+
Reviews
30+
Yrs Combined
24/7
Support
Embassy House, Harambee Ave, Nairobi
TSS Tower, Nkrumah Road, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00 · Walk-ins welcome
Get Business Setup Advice Today →
How We Work

From First Consultation to Business Launch

Clear, efficient and legally precise at every step. We guide you through the business setup process with full transparency — no hidden costs, no legal jargon.

01
Free Consultation

We assess your business concept at no cost and advise on the best legal structure for your goals.

02
Entity Selection & Docs

We prepare all incorporation documents, articles of association and statutory forms.

03
Registration & Filing

We file with the Registrar of Companies, KRA and all required government agencies.

04
Licences & Compliance

We obtain all necessary permits and ensure full regulatory compliance.

05
Launch & Ongoing Support

Your business is legally operational. We remain available for ongoing legal advisory.

20+
Years Helping Businesses Launch

"We understand that starting a business is more than paperwork — it's about building something that lasts."

— F.M. Muteti & Co. Advocates

Why Choose F.M. Muteti & Co.

Kenya's Trusted
Business Setup Lawyers

We bring deep expertise in Kenya's Companies Act 2015 and decades of experience helping businesses of all sizes launch and thrive.

⚖️
Business Law Specialists

Deep expertise in company formation, corporate governance, licensing and compliance under Kenyan law.

🕐
24/7 Client Support

Business opportunities don't wait. We're available round the clock for time-sensitive setup matters.

💰
Transparent, Fixed Fees

Competitive, fully transparent pricing. You know your costs before we begin — no hidden charges.

🤝
End-to-End Service

From name reservation to business licence — we handle the entire setup process so you can focus on your business.

📍
Walk-In · 2 Offices

Embassy House Nairobi and TSS Tower Mombasa — walk-in service Monday to Friday.

📜
LSK-Registered Advocates

Every advocate is registered with the Law Society of Kenya, held to the highest professional standards.

1,110+ Google Reviews — Excellent

What Our Clients Say

"
★★★★★

"FM Law registered my company, got my KRA PIN and county permits all within two weeks. Incredibly efficient. I could focus on building my product while they handled all the legal complexities."

J
James M.
Startup Founder, Nairobi
"
★★★★★

"As a foreign investor, I was overwhelmed by Kenya's regulatory requirements. FM Muteti handled everything — company registration, investment certificate, work permit. Absolutely seamless."

S
Sarah W.
Foreign Investor, Mombasa
"
★★★★★

"I'd been running my business informally for years. FM Law helped me formalize, register properly and get tax compliant. Now I can access bank financing and government tenders. Game changer."

M
Michael O.
SME Owner, Kisumu
Common Questions

Business Setup FAQs — Answered

Straight answers to what entrepreneurs and investors ask us most about starting a business in Kenya. For your specific situation, speak directly with our advocates — free, no obligation.

Get Free Business Setup Advice →

Prefer to call us directly?

📞 +254 769 554 444 — Call Now
What types of business entities can I register in Kenya?
+

Kenya allows several business structures: sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability partnership (LLP), private limited company, public limited company, and branch office of a foreign company. The right choice depends on your ownership structure, liability preferences, tax considerations and growth plans. We advise on the optimal structure for your specific situation.

How long does it take to register a company in Kenya?
+

A standard company registration through the eCitizen/BRS portal takes 3–7 working days once all documents are properly prepared. However, obtaining all additional registrations (KRA PIN, VAT, county permits, sector licences) typically takes 2–4 weeks total. We expedite the process to minimize delays.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Kenya?
+

Yes, foreign investors can own 100% of a Kenyan company in most sectors. However, certain sectors have ownership restrictions (e.g. insurance, telecommunications, mining). Foreign investors also need investment certificates from KENINVEST for investments over certain thresholds. We guide you through all requirements.

What documents are needed to register a company in Kenya?
+

You typically need: copies of directors' IDs/passports, KRA PINs of directors, passport photos, a registered office address, proposed company name, Memorandum and Articles of Association, and details of share capital structure. For foreign directors, additional documents like work permits may be required.

How much does it cost to set up a business in Kenya?
+

Government fees for basic company registration start from KES 10,650. However, total costs depend on the type of entity, share capital, sector-specific licences and professional fees. We provide a clear, all-inclusive fee estimate before engagement — no hidden costs.

Do I need a lawyer to register a business in Kenya?
+

While it's possible to register through eCitizen yourself, engaging a lawyer ensures your business structure is optimal, your founding documents protect your interests, and you're fully compliant from day one. Mistakes in company formation can be expensive to fix later.

✦ F.M. Muteti & Co. Advocates · Embassy House, Nairobi · TSS Tower, Mombasa

Launch Your Business
in Kenya Today.

Kenya's trusted business setup lawyers are ready to help you start, register and launch your business. Free consultation. Transparent fees. Walk-in offices. Don't let regulatory complexity hold you back.

1,110+ Verified Reviews
Walk-In Service
24/7 Support
Transparent Fees
LSK Registered