Running a successful business or corporation is no easy feat. The money matters never end – and you always need to be on top of your numbers at all times even when you’d rather be focusing on things like product development, marketing, hiring, or profit maximization.
Fortunately, that’s where accounting firms come in. They do all the heavy-lifting for you. From preparing annual statements, audited financial statements, tax planning, preparing tax returns and beyond they do everything in their capacity to ensure your business complies with key regulations including:
- The VAT Act
- Income Tax Act
- Tax Procedures Act
- And Excise Duty Act
Kenya is home to hundreds, if not thousands, of these firms. Yet, much like in any competitive landscape, only a few manage to rise to the top. In this East African nation, global giants like KPMG, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, and PwC Kenya literally call the shots.
Eager to find out more about the most sought-after accounting firms in Kenya? Here’s a look at the top 10 players dominating this space.
PS: If you are facing accounting queries in your SME and would like to receive personalized assistance from a dedicated mentor, our team of experts is always on hand to help.
10 Best Accounting Firms in Kenya
| Logo | Firm | Address |
 | KPMG East Africa | ABC Towers, Waiyaki Way, Nairobi |
 | Deloitte | Deloitte Place, Waiyaki Way, Nairobi |
 | Ernst & Young | Kenya Re Towers, off Ragati Road, Nairobi |
 | PwC Kenya | PWC Tower, Waiyaki Way, Nairobi |
 | PKF East Africa | Kalamu House, Grevillea Grove, Nairobi |
 | BDO East Africa | The Westwood, Westlands, Nairobi |
 | MGK Consulting | Mayfair Business Centre, 2nd Floor Parklands Rd, Nairobi |
 | Baker Tilly International | Off Mvuli Road, Westlands, Nairobi |
 | RSM Eastern Africa LLP | Pacis Centre, Slip Road, off Waiyaki Way, Nairobi |
 | Ronalds LLP | Manyani East Road, Off Waiyaki Way, Nairobi |
1. KPMG East Africa
KPMG is Considered one of the “big four” professional financial services firms globally. Its technology-led services are centered on accountancy, tax, financial audit, and advisory.
KPMG has over 150 years of service delivery since its inception in 1891.
In Kenya, KPMG operates under the KPMG East Africa umbrella, which has branches in Tanzania, DRC, Burundi, South Sudan, Somalia, Rwanda and Eritrea.
The KPMG Kenyan offices are at the ABC Towers, Waiyaki Way, Westlands, in Nairobi County. The firm started operations in Kenya in 2010 and operates under the name KPMG IDAS (International Development Advisory Services) Practice.
2. Deloitte
Deloitte, or Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited as it’s commonly called, ranks among the world’s largest professional services networks. Deloitte started in 1845 and has over 175 years of experience working with businesses and government institutions.
It’s headquartered in London, UK and has branches in over 150 countries. The member firms offer various services, including accounting, auditing, consulting, risk advisory, financial advisory, and legal advisory.
Ramsay and Gill established Deloitte in Kenya long back in 1907, and it has since grown to serve both local and international clients. The Deloitte Kenya offices are situated at the Deloitte Place, along Waiyaki Way in Nairobi.
3. Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young is one of the largest professional accounting firms in Nairobi, Kenya. The firm was formed in 1989 following a partnership between Ernst & Whinney and Arthur Young & Co. It was later rebranded to EY 2013 and has offices in over 150 countries. EY has for over 25 years been featured on the Fortune magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work For.
This company helps its clients to transform and grow by providing them with various services like assurance, consulting, corporate finance, tax advisory, etc. The EY headquarters in Kenya are at the Kenya Re Towers, Off Ragati Road, Nairobi.
4. PwC Kenya
PwC Kenya is a subsidiary of PricewaterhouseCoopers, which is also one of the most sought-after audit and accounting firms in Kenya.
PwC offices are spread widely in over 157 countries with most being in Africa, Asia, Europe, and America. Some of the services offered by PwC include crisis management, consulting, assurance, auditing and business transformation.
PwC was formed in 1998 through a merger between Coopers & Lybrand and Price Waterhouse. The headquarters of PwC in Kenya are at the PwC Tower, Waiyaki Way, Nairobi.
5. PKF East Africa
PKF East Africa is a subsidiary of PKF International, which was previously called Pannel Kerr Forster. PKF International is a world-leading accounting firm with a footing in 150 countries. This global firm offers its clients services like corporate finance, advisory, tax, consulting and legal solutions.
PKF was established in 1969 as a merger of four different accounting firms from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.
The PKF East Africa headquarters are housed at Kalamu House, Grevillea Grove, Nairobi.
6. BDO East Africa
BDO EA is an affiliate firm of BDO International Limited, which is a conglomerate of firms offering accounting, tax, business advisory, auditing and tax advisory services. This Belgium-headquartered firm started in 1963 through a merger of 4 companies and has operations in over 160 countries.
BDO EA has fully operational offices in Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya. The BDO Kenyan office is located at The Westwood Building, Westlands, Nairobi.
7. MGK Consulting
MGK Consulting is a leading financial services firm not just in Kenya but also the entire East African region. It focuses on providing tax, auditing, accounting, and business advisory solutions. The firm was established in 1999 and has its offices at the Mayfair Business Center, Parklands, Nairobi.
MGK Consulting is an affiliate of AGN International, a worldwide renowned group of accounting firms offering auditing, tax, and financial advisory services. AGN International is present in 80 countries and is headquartered in London, United Kingdom
8. Baker Tilly International
Baker Tilly International is a famous public accounting and consulting firm in Kenya that ranks among the top 10 world’s largest accounting firms. It has member companies across 146 countries, spread through Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Baker Tilly International was founded in 1987 under the name Summit International Associates.
This London-based international audit network’s firms mainly offer tax, advisory, and assurance services. Its subsidiary, Baker Tilly Merali’s or Baker Tilly Kenya as it’s popularly known, was founded in 1983. Its headquarters are at the New Rehema House, along Rhapta Road, Nairobi.
9. RSM Eastern Africa LLP
RSM is a network of independent consulting and accounting firms that focus on helping clients navigate financial challenges. RSM International, as it is widely known, collaborates with member firms in 120 countries. It was founded in 1964, and the initials RSM represent the names of its three founding firms. The RSM International’s headquarters are in London, UK.
The African member firm RSM Eastern Africa offers specialized services in audit, assurance, management and financial consulting. Established in 2004, this firm has offices in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
The global collaboration with its parent firm, RSM International, helps the company give its clients the best local and international financial advice. RSM East Africa’s head office is at the Pacis Centre, situated off Waiyaki Way, in Westlands, Nairobi.
10. Ronalds LLP
Ronalds LLP is an innovative accounting firm that embraces technology to deliver, audit, consultancy, and advisory services. The firm began operation in Kenya in 2010 and has quickly risen to be among Kenya’s best accounting firms. Ronald’s LLP has offices in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda while its headquarters are at Manyani East Road, Westlands, Nairobi.
Ronald’s LLP operates under Allinial Global, a world-leading association of advisory and accounting firms. Allinial Global started in 1969 as a merger of different accounting firms and is present in 109 countries.
How To Find the Ideal Choose Accounting Firms in Kenya?
Choosing a reliable firm from the numerous accounting firms in Kenya can be overwhelming. Here are some factors to look for;
- Reputation and Experience
Check the firm’s reputation; you can easily do this by following up on their Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn accounts. Analyzing the company’s online ratings and reviews gives you a rough idea of its service level.
A company with over 10 years of experience is likely more stable than one which has been in the field for less than 5 years. Also, a firm with branches in other countries or is affiliated with international firms is likely more credible.
- Regulatory Compliance
Check whether the firm works in line with Kenya’s accounting regulatory body, the Institute of Certified Public Accountants. This reduces the risk of your firm getting unprofessional services which could lead to fines and penalties.
- Range of Services Offered
Go for companies that offer multiple services. This is because it’s cheaper to get all your accounting, tax-related, business advisory, risk assessment, and auditing services from a single firm.
- Customer Support
Effective communication between you and your chosen firm is quite vital. It helps build trust, clarity, and gives room for a more collaborative approach. Therefore, you should consider a firm’s communication approach to answering client inquiries, handling problems, and providing updates.
- Value for Money
Choose an accounting firm that offers value for money. Don’t choose companies whose fees are unreasonably high or downright punitive. At the same time, when looking for cheaper services be careful not to end up with an incompetent bunch of folks masquerading as professionals.
Conclusion
Accounting firms have a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s financial and economic landscape. However, the notable surge of accounting firms in recent years can make it difficult to decide which one to choose. Regardless of the situation, quality should always take precedence over other factors—after all, accurate figures are essential for making sound business decisions.
With a Diploma in Banking and Finance, Lenah boasts a good understanding of the Kenyan business landscape. She’s a seasoned freelance copywriter who enjoys reading the Bible during her free time.