How To Change Business Name On Ecitizen

The first thing people notice when your business comes up in a conversation is its name. Your business name is plastered on every product your business sells. Hence, your business name may attract attention to the company or make others look past you.

So, has your business name changed? Do you intend to rebrand your business name to match the direction of your company? If so, you’ll need to update your registration on eCitizen.

Reasons for Changing Business Name

There are many reasons you might want to change your business name. Some may include;

• Your business has outgrown its original or current name.
• You want to rebrand or change your business image.
• Your business has changed direction, approach, product, or industry.
• There’s been a change in ownership, hence the legacy name is no longer justifiable.
• You want to consolidate multiple businesses under one name.
• You find your current name is limiting or no longer reflective of your business.
• Consumers are confused by the business’s name.
• Registrar of Companies, under Section 58 of Company Acts, 2015, has directed you to change your business name.
• Your business name ties you to a specific location, and you intend to expand to other regions.
• You simply don’t like your current name anymore.

Whatever the reason, if you’re considering changing your business name, eCitizen makes it easy to do so.

How to Change Business Name on ECitizen

Changing your name on eCitizen is a simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. However, you must meet these requirements;

• You must be the registered owner of the business name.
• Your business must be registered on eCitizen.
• You must have a valid reason for changing your business name.
• You must not be in breach of any contractual obligations relating to your current business name.
• You must not be changing your name for an illegal or fraudulent purpose.
• You must have an intended new business name. The new name must not be identical or similar to an existing registered business name, trademark, or domain name.
• You must notify the Registrar of Companies of your intention to change your business name and pay the prescribed fee.

If you meet the conditions above, you can begin the process of changing your business name on eCitizen.

The procedure for changing your business can be done under the Business Registration Service department (BRS), which is still within the eCitizen platform. This is how to change business name on ecitizen;

STEP 1: Perform a name search and preserve the new business name

The initial step to changing your business name on eCitizen is New Name Search. So, how do I search for a business name on Citizen?

1.  Log into your eCitizen account. If you don’t have one, click on the Create an account link below the Login button.

2. Go to the Business Registration Service section and click on Get Service.

3. Click the Continue button on the next page to verify your identity. 

4. Click on Show All to display all your businesses registered on eCitizen. Tap the View button on the current business name you intend to change.

5. Next, tap on the Maintain a Company link.

6. Tap on Make Application to expand the dropdown menu. Select Change of Name.

7. Tap the Search New Name link.

8. Choose the business type. Then enter your preferred name search, any special instructions, and a description of your preferred name.

9. Pay Ksh. 150 and wait for authorization. If you’re given the go-ahead, your chosen name is reserved for 30 days.
10. You’ll then go through the application process by signing CR15 and CR19, which are produced by the system. Name change applications are handled on CR15, while company resolution is handled on CR19. Every new name search costs the same amount.

STEP 2: ECitizen Business Name Registration

1. Click on Make Application.
2. On the next window, click on Apply Now below Business Name Registration. 

3. Make a payment of Ksh. 150 and verify the payment details.
4. Print the invoice and a copy of the business registration certificate.

STEP 3: Apply for a Business Name change

1. Click on the Office of the Attorney General link on the eCitizen dashboard.
2. Tap on the Make Application button. 

3. Press on Business Name Registration and choose Request for Change of Particulars BN- Business Name option. Tap Apply Now.
4. Provide the relevant information, including, New Business Name, Business Registration Number, and Old Business Name.
5. Click Continue to verify the new company name after submitting your business registration certificate.
6. Confirm the validity of the particulars and proceed to make payment of Ksh. 850 using your preferred payment mode.
7. Enter the verification code sent to your mobile number to confirm the payment.
8. Print the receipt and a copy of the new business name registration certificate.
9. The processing takes an average of 10 working days to complete any business name change.

How to Deregister a Business Name in Kenya on Citizen

To deregister a business name, it must first be connected and verified through the e-citizen portal. This is called Business Cessation. The services found here are Sole Proprietorship and Partnerships.

Requirements for Business Cessation

• Scanned copy of the Business Registration Certificate.
• Signed copy of BN6 form (by you and other proprietors, if any).

This is how to deregister a business name in Kenya on ecitizen;

1. Log into your eCitizen account and navigate to Business Name Registration department. Click on Get Services.
2. Locate the business you want to deregister, found under the My Businesses section.
3. Select the View option, then click the Maintain a Company link.
4. Select the Make Application option. On the Entity Status option, choose cessation instead of active.
5. Give a reason for choosing to close the business and upload a scanned copy of the business registration certificate. Press Save and Continue.
6. On the next window, download the BN6 form, signed it, scan and upload it. Press Save and Continue.
7. A verification code is sent to your number. Copy and paste the code on the provided box and click Verify.
8. After completing the application, read through it to double-check that you’ve included all the necessary information. Pay Ksh. 250 and click Finish the application.

There you have it. A complete guide on how to register, change or deregister a business name on eCitizen Kenya. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments section below.