Paystack Onboarding and Compliance Requirements in Kenya
To onboard with Paystack in Kenya: (1) register your business with the Kenya Registrar of Companies — either as a sole proprietor (Business Name) or limited company; (2) provide your KRA PIN (Kenya Revenue Authority Personal Identification Number) for tax compliance; (3) submit your Certificate of Incorporation or Business Name certificate; (4) provide a Kenyan bank account for settlement; (5) complete Paystack's KYC including director national ID verification.
Required Documents for Kenyan Paystack Merchants
| Document | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Incorporation / Business Name Certificate | Business registration proof | From Kenya Registrar of Companies (eCitizen) |
| KRA PIN Certificate | Tax compliance | Available from the KRA iTax portal |
| National ID or Passport (directors) | Identity verification | All directors may be required for company accounts |
| Kenyan bank account details | Settlement account | Major banks: KCB, Equity, Co-op, NCBA, Standard Chartered |
| Business address | KYC | Physical or registered office address in Kenya |
Learn More
This guide is part of the Paystack by country guide.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Register your business with the Kenya Registrar of Companies before applying for a live Paystack account.
- ✓KRA PIN is required for tax compliance — every Kenyan business and individual taxpayer has one.
- ✓Provide a Kenyan bank account for settlement — Paystack Kenya settles to registered Kenyan bank accounts.
- ✓The CBK (Central Bank of Kenya) regulates payment service providers — Paystack holds CBK approval; merchants benefit from this.
- ✓Kenya's DPA 2019 applies to customer data you collect during payment — ensure your privacy notice covers payment data.
- ✓Foreign-owned businesses operating in Kenya may require additional documentation (company registration certificates from the home country).
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use Paystack Kenya as a non-Kenyan business?
- Foreign businesses can use Paystack Kenya, but you must have a registered Kenyan entity (branch or subsidiary) or a Kenyan registered business partner. Paystack requires Kenyan business registration documents and a Kenyan settlement bank account.
- What is a KRA PIN and do I need one for Paystack?
- KRA PIN is your Kenya Revenue Authority tax identification number — it is required for all businesses operating in Kenya. Paystack requires it as part of their KYC for Kenyan merchants. Get your KRA PIN from the KRA iTax portal (itax.kra.go.ke) if you do not already have one.
- Does using Paystack mean I am exempt from filing taxes in Kenya?
- No. Paystack facilitates payment collection but does not handle your tax obligations. Revenue you receive via Paystack is taxable income in Kenya. You must file returns with KRA (annually for businesses, monthly for VAT-registered entities). Consult a Kenyan accountant for your specific tax situation.
- How does CBK regulation affect my Paystack integration?
- The Central Bank of Kenya licenses and regulates payment service providers under the National Payments Systems Act. Paystack holds the necessary CBK authorisation to operate in Kenya. As a merchant, you do not need your own CBK license — but you must comply with Kenya's Data Protection Act for customer data you collect.
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