Company Seal Requirements in Kenya 2025: Everything You Need to Know
If you've recently registered a company in Kenya, one of the first questions you'll ask is: do I need a company seal? The answer depends on your type of business and how you intend to execute documents. This guide explains exactly what Kenyan law says and what your options are.
What Is a Company Seal?
A company seal (also called a common seal or embossing seal) is a metal stamp that embosses a raised impression of your company name and registration number onto documents. It acts as the official signature of a company — giving documents legal weight and making them harder to forge.
In Kenya, company seals are circular, typically 40–45mm in diameter, and must include the company's full registered name and, for limited companies, the word "Limited" or abbreviation "Ltd".
Is a Company Seal Required by Law in Kenya?
Under the Companies Act 2015 (No. 17 of 2015), a company seal is no longer mandatory for most Kenyan companies. The Act removed the requirement that every company must have a common seal.
Key point: Section 35 of the Companies Act 2015 states that a company may have a common seal but is not required to have one. However, many banks, government agencies, and financial institutions in Kenya still require a company seal for certain transactions.
When Do You Practically Need a Company Seal in Kenya?
Even though it is not legally mandatory, a company seal is still strongly recommended — and in some cases effectively required — for the following:
- Opening a corporate bank account — most Kenyan banks (KCB, Equity, Co-op, NCBA) ask for a sealed board resolution when opening a business account
- Executing deeds and contracts — sealing a document gives it added legal standing in court
- Share certificates — companies issuing shares should seal each certificate
- Property transactions — land registrars and conveyancing lawyers commonly require seals on transfer documents
- Tender documents — government tenders and procurement processes often require a company seal on bid documents
- KRA and regulatory filings — some filings with the Kenya Revenue Authority and other regulators require a sealed document
- Power of Attorney documents — a seal strengthens the authority granted
Types of Company Seals Available in Kenya
| Seal Type | Best For | Price (KSh) |
|---|---|---|
| Pocket Company Seal | Small businesses, field use, portability | From 3,000 |
| Desktop Company Seal | Office use, high volume embossing | From 3,200 |
| Heavy Duty Company Seal | Commercial/legal firms, very frequent use | From 10,000 |
What Information Must Appear on a Kenyan Company Seal?
The Companies Act 2015 requires that a company seal include:
- The full registered name of the company exactly as it appears in the Certificate of Incorporation
- The word "Limited" or "Ltd" (for limited liability companies)
- The country of incorporation — "Kenya" — for foreign companies operating locally
Optionally, many companies also include their registration number, which helps with official filings.
How to Get a Company Seal Made in Nairobi
The process is simple and can be done same-day in Nairobi:
- Send your company name via WhatsApp to +254728178579
- We create a free design proof showing how your seal will look — within 30 minutes
- You approve the design (or request changes)
- We produce your seal — most orders are ready within 1–3 hours
- Collect in Nairobi CBD or we deliver via courier nationwide
Payment is accepted via M-Pesa, bank transfer, or cash.
Documents to have ready: Your Certificate of Incorporation (to confirm the exact spelling of your company name) and your preferred ink colour if ordering a rubber stamp version alongside the seal.
Company Seal vs Company Stamp — What's the Difference?
Many business owners confuse the two:
- A company seal is a metal embosser that creates a raised (embossed) impression — it does not use ink
- A company stamp is a rubber or self-inking stamp that leaves an inked impression with your company name, logo, and contact details
Most Kenyan businesses benefit from having both — the seal for formal legal documents and the stamp for everyday paperwork like invoices, delivery notes, and receipts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a sole proprietorship have a company seal in Kenya?
Sole proprietors and partnerships are not companies and do not have company seals. However, they can use a business rubber stamp with their business name and details for everyday documents.
How long does it take to get a company seal in Nairobi?
At Customised Stamps Kenya, same-day production is standard. Order before noon and collect or receive delivery the same day within Nairobi.
Will my bank accept the seal you make?
Yes. Our company seals are made to the same specification used by legal firms, banks, and government offices across Kenya. Hundreds of our seals are in active use at banks including KCB, Equity, and Co-operative Bank.
Ready to Get Your Company Seal?
Same-day production · Free design proof · M-Pesa accepted · Delivery nationwide
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