Procedure for registering a co-operative in Kenya.

1. CO-OPERATIVE
REGISTRATION
PROCEDURES
BY JAMES MWASI/STEPHEN MWANGI

2. HOW TO REGISTER A CO-OPERATIVE
 The co-operative Societies Act, Chapter
490 of the Laws of Kenya, states that for a
society to be registered with or without
limited liability, it:
 has to have its object as the promotion of
the welfare and economic interest of its
members and
 has incorporated in its by laws the
following co-operative principles:

3. (i) voluntary and open membership;
(ii) democratic member control;
(iii) economic participation by members;
(iv) autonomy and independence;
(v) education, training and information;
(vi) co-operation among co-operatives; and
(vii) concern for community in general,
may be registered by the Commissioner as a co-
operative society under this Act with or without
limited liability.
Provided that a co-operative union or an apex
society shall not be registered except with limited
liability.
HOW TO REGISTER A CO-OPERATIVE CON’T

4. Essentials for registration of
co-operative societies
For a society to be registered under the Act, it
must:
 in the case of the primary society, consist of
at least ten persons all of whom shall be
qualified for membership of the co-operative
society
 in the case of a co-operative union, it consists
of two or more registered primary societies
 in the case of an apex society, consist of two
or more secondary societies

5. REGISTRATION PROCEDURES
 When a member of the public visits a District
Co-operative Office with an intention to
register a Co-operative Society, he is
advised, to make a formal request in
writing. This request should include the
following: Name of the proposed society,
Names of a minimum of ten proposed
members (including copies of their ID card,
telephone number, physical address,
occupation and age).

6. DOCUMENTS TO BE ATTACHED
For formally employed persons, a letter of
confirmation from the employer.
For religious based common bond, a copy
of certificate of incorporation of the
organization accompanied by a letter of
approval from the presiding clergy
For Matatu/Transport Societies, copies of
at least ten log books of the proposed
members vehicles

7. DOCUMENTS TO BE ATTACHED CON’T
 For business people, copies of certificate of
incorporation,/business licenses from at least
ten proposed members
 For marketing societies, introductory letter
from the area chief to confirm the common
bond and expected production
 For welfare and self help groups intending to
convert to co-operatives, a copy of certificate
of registration from relevant ministry
 For other informal organizations, a letter of
introduction from the area Chief

8. PRE CO-OPERATIVE MEETING
 Upon receipt of the above documents, the officer
shall convene a meeting within a week with the
proposed members. The quorum of this meeting
(Pre Co-operative Meeting) shall be ten members.
The main agenda of the meeting shall be pre co-
operative education. During the meeting; the
promoters shall appoint interim officials for
purpose of overseeing registration.

9. REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION
Apart from above documents the following will be
required:-
 The proposed by-laws in four copies
 Filled application for registration form in four
copies
 Supplementary information form in four copies
(if any)
 Economic appraisal in four copies
 In case of salaried workers, a letter from the
employer is needed agreeing check off.

10. REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION
 Minutes of the pre co-operative meeting
 Bankers cheque of Kshs 3,700 being application
and registration fees
 After successful registration, the newly registered
society to convene the first general meeting
within a month after receipt of the certificate by
the interim officials.
 Failure to do so, the co-operative officer should
recommend to the CCD immediate cancellation of
the certificate of registration.

11. END