How to Register your Co-operative Society
Requirements before registration:
The registration of co-operative societies in Kenya is regulated by the CO-OPERATIVESOCIETIES ACT, CHAPTER 490, Revised Edition 2012 (2005)
The Co-op Act ,in Section 4, states that for a co-operative to be registered it must adhere to
the following:
(a) the promotion of the welfare and economic interests of it’s members;
and
(b) has incorporated in its by-laws the following co-operative principles:
(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 the community in general
In addition to the above:
- In the case of the primary society, it must 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 must consist of two or more registered primary societies.
- In the case of an apex society, it must consist of two or more secondary societies.
