The Constitution of a Society

WHAT IS THE CONSTITUTION OF A SOCIETY:

The constitution of a society is the constitutive document that contains the objectives, rules and procedure that will govern the society to achieve its set objectives.

The constitution must therefore be drafted to conform to the legal provisions of the Societies Act CAP 108 and The Societies Rules.

Get Specimen Constitution for a society here

WHAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE CONSTITUTION OF A SOCIETY

  1. The name of the association;
  2. The whole of the objects for which the association is to be established;
  3. The persons to whom membership is open;
  4. The rates of entrance and subscription fees (if any) for membership;
  5. The method of suspension or expulsion of members;
  6. The titles of officers and auditors and their terms of office, and the method of their election, appointment, dismissal and suspension;
  7. The composition of committees (if any) of the association, the terms of office of members of such committees and the method of their election, appointment, dismissal and suspension;
  8. The authority for and the method of filling vacancies on committees;
  9. The frequency of, quorums for and dates of the general meetings;
  10. The custody and investment of the funds and property of the association, and the designation of the persons responsible therefor;
  11. The purposes for which the funds may be used, and in particular the prohibition of the distribution of funds among members;
  12. The inspection of the books and list of members of an association, by any member or officer;
  13. The annual or periodical audit of accounts;
  14. The formation of branches, if branches may be formed;
  15. The manner of amending the name and constitution of the association;
  16. The manner of dissolution of the association and the disposal of its property on dissolution; and,
  17. Grievance procedure. 

 

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS

The Registrar of Societies may where he deems fit and depending on the nature and objects of any society request for additional documents to accompany the other registration documents.

  • Such additional documents are usually a letter of recommendation for registration or letter of no objection to the registration of the society;
  • Such recommendations may be sought from institutions such as National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), Government Ministries and Agencies, theology certificate for religious organizations amongst others;

 

The Forms and the Constitution are then submitted to the Registrar of Societies for registration or exemption from registration together with a fee of Kshs. 2000/=

Depending on the objectives of the society that has been lodged for registration, the certificate of registration may then be issued after the application has been perused and approved or it can be subjected to a vetting process by various government agencies deemed fit including investigative agencies.

 

After Registration or Exemption, Societies are required to comply with the Act CAP 108 by filing annual returns, audited accounts and holding meetings annually amongst other requirements.