What the business registration number is
When your business is registered through the Business Registration Service, it is assigned a unique registration number that appears on the certificate. For a registered business name, this is the business registration number; for a limited company, the equivalent is the company registration number on the certificate of incorporation. Either way, it is the identifier that ties your business to the official register.
This number is distinct from your KRA PIN. The KRA PIN is your tax identifier, used for filing returns and eTIMS. The business registration number is your registration identifier, used to confirm the business exists on the register and to reference it in official dealings. A business has both, and they serve different purposes.
You will be asked for the business registration number when dealing with banks, tenders, some suppliers and formal contracts, because it lets them confirm your business is genuinely registered. Knowing where it is and keeping it handy saves time in those situations.
Where to find and how to use your registration number
The number is on your certificate; here is how to locate and verify it.
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Step 1: Look on your certificate
The registration number is printed on your certificate of registration (business name) or incorporation (company), usually near the top with the registered name and date.
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Step 2: Download the certificate from eCitizen
If you do not have the certificate to hand, download it from the Business Registration Service on eCitizen, where the number is on the PDF.
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Step 3: Distinguish it from your KRA PIN
Do not confuse it with your KRA PIN. The PIN starts with a letter and is your tax identifier; the registration number is your registration identifier. Use the right one for the right purpose.
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Step 4: Use it where required
Provide the registration number when banks, tenders or suppliers ask to confirm your business is registered.
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Step 5: Verify a registration number
To confirm a business (yours or a partner) is genuinely registered, use the registration number on the official BRS verification check, which returns the registered name and status.
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Step 6: Keep it recorded
Save the registration number and a copy of the certificate somewhere accessible so you can provide it quickly when asked.
Common registration number mistakes
Confusing it with the KRA PIN
The most common error. The KRA PIN is for tax; the registration number is for registration. Giving one when the other is asked causes delays.
Not knowing where it is
The number is on the certificate. Not having the certificate accessible means scrambling when a bank or tender asks for the number.
Assuming a number proves good standing
A registration number confirms the business was registered, but verification can also show status. Check the status, not just that a number exists.
Sharing it without care
The number is used to identify your business officially. Share it where legitimately required, and be cautious of requests from unverified parties.
Losing the certificate
If you lose the certificate, you can re-download it from eCitizen, but only if you can access the account. Keep your eCitizen login safe.
A business provides its number to open a bank account
A registered business in Mombasa is opening a business bank account, and the bank asks for both the KRA PIN and the business registration number.
The owner provides the KRA PIN from the iTax records and the business registration number from the certificate of registration downloaded from eCitizen. The bank verifies the registration number against the official register, which returns the matching registered name and an active status.
Because the owner knew the difference between the two numbers and had the certificate accessible, the account opening went smoothly with no back-and-forth over which number was which.
Trading without eTIMS-compliant tax invoices risks KRA penalties, blocked VAT input claims for your customers, and receipts a business buyer cannot expense.
Veira signs every sale to KRA eTIMS automatically, so each receipt is compliant the moment it prints, with no separate device to reconcile.
Keeping your business details in order
Your registration number, KRA PIN and certificate are the identifiers every formal dealing relies on. Keeping them organised, alongside clean sales and tax records, is what makes banking, tenders and audits straightforward.
Veira keeps your sales, invoicing and eTIMS records in one place, so when you need to demonstrate a genuine, compliant business, the day-to-day evidence is already organised, from KES 2,999 a month.
Frequently asked questions
What is a business registration number in Kenya?
Is the business registration number the same as the KRA PIN?
Where do I find my business registration number?
How do I verify a business registration number?
Who asks for the business registration number?
What is the company registration number?
Your business registration number is a small but important detail: it proves your business is on the official register, and it is separate from your KRA PIN. Know where it is, keep the certificate accessible, and verify partners numbers when it matters. Veira keeps your compliance records organised alongside it, from KES 2,999 a month. See how Veira works.