State Agencies Alert Kenyans on Fraudulent Free Business Registration Scam
Business Registration Service and MSEA warn against fake online scheme offering free business registration to MSMEs, urging use of official platforms only.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 20, 2026
2 min read
The Business Registration Service (BRS) and the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) have issued warnings to the public regarding a fraudulent online scheme falsely promising free business registration for 250,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
According to alerts released on August 20, messages circulating on social media claim the government, through a partnership between BRS and MSEA, is offering free business-name registration. Both agencies denied any involvement, stating they have neither authorised nor endorsed the initiative.
Official Advice to the Public
- Do not click on suspicious links related to the scheme.
- Avoid sharing personal details such as identification numbers, KRA PINs, phone numbers, M-Pesa information, or business data.
- Do not make any payments or engage with the purported registration process.
BRS emphasized that legitimate business registration services are accessible solely via the official eCitizen platform and its website. Similarly, MSEA confirmed its only authorised registration exercise is through eCitizen and disclaimed liability for any losses from unauthorised offers.
Both agencies urged Kenyans to remain vigilant, refrain from forwarding fraudulent messages, and report suspicious links. They reminded the public to verify government services before submitting any sensitive information online.
