Company Name Registration in Kenya: Full List of Forbidden Names You Must Avoid

Starting a business in Kenya begins with one critical step: registering your company name. However, over 40% of name applications get rejected by the Registrar of Companies annually, causing costly delays. Understanding the strict naming regulations under Kenya’s Companies Act could save you weeks of frustration.

This comprehensive guide reveals the 8 concrete circumstances when your proposed company name will be automatically rejected, based on the latest 2024 regulations. Whether you’re registering a new business or rebranding, these insights will help you navigate Kenya’s complex naming rules successfully.

Grounds for Company Name Rejection in Kenya

The Registrar of Companies maintains strict naming standards to prevent confusion, protect intellectual property, and maintain public order. Here are the official circumstances when your proposed name won’t be registered:

1. Identical to Existing Registered Names

Your name will be rejected if it:

Appears verbatim in the Registrar’s Index of:
- Company names
- Business names
- Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
- Partnerships

Example: If “Savanna Tech Solutions Ltd” exists, you cannot register “Savanna Tech Solutions Limited” – even with a different suffix.

2. Phonetically Similar Names

The Registrar blocks names with close phonetic resemblance to existing entities. This includes:

Names that sound identical when spoken
Minor spelling variations (e.g., “Phast” vs “Fast”)
Homophones (e.g., “Celltech” vs “Seltek”)

Real Case: In 2023, “Safaricomm Limited” was rejected for resembling “Safaricom.”

3. Geographical Additions Only

You cannot register a name that simply adds:

A Kenyan location (e.g., “Nakuru,” “Westlands”)
A locality/region (e.g., “Coastal,” “Rift Valley”)
to an existing name.

Example: If “Bluewave Hotels” exists, “Bluewave Hotels Nairobi” will be rejected.

4. Reserved Names

The Registrar will reject names that:

Match names already reserved for upcoming companies
Closely resemble pending names

Note: Name reservations last 30 days before becoming available again.

5. Previously Dissolved Entities

These names remain protected:

Companies dissolved in the past 12 months
Businesses struck off the register
LLPs that ceased operations

Exception: You may apply for special permission after 3 years of dormancy.

6. Government/Statutory Body Names

Your name cannot match or imply association with:

Constitutional bodies (e.g., “Kenya Revenue Authority”)
State corporations (e.g., “Kenya Power”)
Entities established under written law

2024 Example: “Kenya Airways Cargo” was rejected for a private logistics firm.

7. Criminal or Fraudulent Implications

The Registrar will reject names that:

Suggest illegal activities (e.g., “Pyramid Investments”)
Could facilitate fraud (e.g., “Central Bank Loans”)
Contain vulgar/obscene language

8. Offensive or Undesirable Names

These are prohibited under Section 11 of the Regulations:

Prohibited Element	Examples
Co-operative terms	“Co-op,” “Sacco”
False government links	“State House,” “National”
Foreign government ties	“USA Kenya Ventures”
County government links	“Mombasa County Tours”
Vague acronyms	“ABCDE Holdings”
Trademark violations	“Coca-Cola Distributors”
Ethnic/racial offense	Culturally insensitive terms

Why These Restrictions Exist

Prevent Consumer Confusion – Ensures businesses are easily distinguishable
Protect Intellectual Property – Safeguards trademarks and established brands
Maintain Public Trust – Stops misuse of government-associated names
Uphold Decency – Filters out offensive/ misleading names

2023 Statistics:

28% rejections due to name similarities
19% for government name associations
15% for phonetic resemblances

How to Ensure Your Name Gets Approved

Step 1: Preliminary Name Search

Use the eCitizen Business Registration Service portal to check:

Exact name matches
Similar existing names

Step 2: Avoid Common Pitfalls

Don’t use geographic terms as differentiators
Steer clear of trademarked terms
Ensure no phonetic similarities

Step 3: Prepare Alternatives

Have 3-5 backup names ready in case of rejection.

Step 4: Professional Verification

Consider hiring a:

Company registration agent
Intellectual property lawyer

What to Do If Your Name Is Rejected

Review Rejection Reasons – Available on eCitizen
Modify & Resubmit – Adjust based on Registrar’s feedback
Appeal – File a formal appeal within 14 days if disputed

Final Checklist Before Submission

✅ No match in Registrar’s database
✅ No phonetic similarities
✅ No geographic additions only
✅ No government/statutory references
✅ No offensive/undesirable elements

Navigating Kenya’s company naming rules requires diligence, but approval is guaranteed if you follow these guidelines.

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