Registering a Public Limited Company (PLC)

A company that is both a limited and a public company can only be registered under a name that concludes with the words "public limited company" or the abbreviation "PLC."

A company is considered a public company if:

1. Its articles permit its members to transfer their shares in the company.
2. Its articles do not prohibit public invitations to subscribe for shares or debentures of the company and
3. The name must end with the expression "Public Limited Company" or the abbreviation "PLC."

A Public Limited Company (PLC) in Kenya is characterized by several key features:

1. Share Transferability: The articles of association of a PLC explicitly allow its members to transfer their shares within the company. This feature promotes liquidity and enables broader ownership.
2. Public Subscription: The company's articles do not restrict public invitations to subscribe for shares or debentures. This allows the company to raise capital from the general public through various means, such as initial public offerings (IPOs) or rights issues.
3. Certificate of Incorporation: The company name must conclude with the phrase "Public Limited Company" or the abbreviation "PLC." This naming convention clearly identifies the company's status to the public and stakeholders.

These features distinguish PLCs from other types of companies in Kenya, providing a framework for larger-scale operations and public investment opportunities. 

1. Register Online with the e-Citizen Portal: Create an e-Citizen Account if you don't have one to proceed with the Public Limited Company (PLC) registration process.
2. Reserve a Company Name: A search determines if the proposed name is available for registration. Propose 3-5 preferred names in order of priority. A public company's name must conclude with "public limited company" or "PLC."
3. Company Objectives: Propose the nature of business and activities the company will undertake.
4. Prepare the Memorandum and Articles of Association: Adopt the model articles prescribed by the Companies Act or create your own.Define specific objects within them if desired. View model articles for public companies limited by shares here.
5. Registered Office Address: Provide primary physical address and contact details, including:Building name, Plot No., Estate, House No., Email address, Telephone no., postal address, and residential addresses.
6. Share Information: Specify the number of shares to be held by each Shareholder and directors.
7. Directors/Shareholders and company secretary information: Provide full names, occupation, addresses, and proof of identity documents.
8. Registration Forms: Download, sign, and upload CR 1, CR 2, CR8, CR 10, CR 12, and Statement of Nominal Capital forms.
9. Certificate of Incorporation : The application for company registration is complete when the required forms are scanned back into the system. Registry officials will then review the application. If it is in order, a Certificate of Incorporation and Official Search will be generated online.

The registration fee for a Public Limited Company (PLC) in Kenya is KES 10,650.

The registration process for a Public Limited Company (PLC) typically takes between 3 to 5 working days to complete. This timeframe depends on two primary factors:

1. Company Name Search Availability: The proposed company name must be checked and approved for use.
2. Document Submission: All required paperwork must be properly prepared, completed, and submitted in accordance with registration guidelines.

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