Kenya
Nairobi · Africa
Setup cost
£2,500–£4,000
Timeline
3–14 weeks
Tax rate
30%
Complexity
moderate
Worth knowing before you start
Work permits can be slow and documentation‑heavy. County‑level licensing varies widely and can add unexpected costs or delays.
Foreign ownership
100% foreign ownership (most sectors)
Taxes
Corporate Tax
Resident companies
30%
Corporate Tax
Non‑resident companies
37.5%
VAT
Standard rate
16%
Withholding Tax
Cross‑border services
5–20%
Personal Income Tax
Progressive
10–35%
Banks to consider
Equity Bank
Traditional
KCB Bank
Traditional
Co‑operative Bank
Traditional
Stanbic Bank
Traditional
M‑Pesa Business
Digital
Kenya has one of Africa’s strongest banking ecosystems. Equity Bank, KCB, and Co‑operative Bank are accessible but require in‑person verification, local address, and detailed KYC. Foreign‑owned companies may face additional scrutiny and must provide proof of capital, business activity, and director identification. Account opening typically takes 1–3 weeks. Mobile money (M‑Pesa) is deeply integrated into business operations and often essential for B2C transactions. Fintech accounts exist but are not a substitute for a Kenyan bank account.
Visa options
Class D Work Permit
£800–£1,500
For foreign directors and employees. Requires proof of skills and company activity.
Investor Permit
£1,000–£2,000
For founders investing at least $100,000 into a Kenyan business.
Business Visa
£40–£100
Short‑term visa for meetings and negotiations. Does not permit work.
Cost by sector
Tech & Digital
£1,500–£3,000
Nairobi is East Africa’s tech hub. Strong fintech ecosystem and mobile‑first market.
Food & Hospitality
£2,000–£5,000
County permits and public health approvals required. High demand in urban areas.
Import/Export
£2,000–£4,500
KEBS certification required for many imported goods. Port of Mombasa is key gateway.
Consulting & Services
£1,500–£3,000
Strong demand for professional services in Nairobi’s growing business ecosystem.
What you'll need
- ✓Register company with eCitizen (1–3 days)
- ✓KRA PIN for company and directors
- ✓Local registered office address
- ✓Work permit (Class D) for foreign directors relocating
- ✓NSSF and NHIF registration if employing staff
- ✓Annual tax filings with KRA
Regulations to know
- • 30% corporate tax for resident companies
- • 16% VAT standard rate
- • Withholding tax applies to many cross‑border payments
- • Foreigners require a Class D work permit to work or manage operations locally
- • County governments impose additional licensing requirements
- • Data protection regulated under the Data Protection Act 2019
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