A cooperative society in Kenya is a member-owned organization established to promote the social and economic interests of its members by pooling resources for mutual benefit.
The process of registering a cooperative in Kenya is guided by the Co-operative Societies Act, Cap 490, and supervised by the Commissioner for Co-operative Development under the Ministry of Co-operatives. Cooperatives operate across sectors such as agriculture, savings and credit (SACCOs), housing, manufacturing, and trade.
To legally register a cooperative, a minimum of 10 founding members is required. Each must be a Kenyan citizen aged 18 or above, possess a valid national ID and KRA PIN, and share a common economic or social goal.
Members must agree on the cooperative’s name, objectives, and leadership structure—typically including a chairperson, secretary, treasurer, and two other officials.
The registration process starts with a founding meeting, where the members adopt the name, draft bylaws, and decide on share capital and contributions. Minutes from this meeting must be signed by all attendees. The proposed name is submitted for approval to the Commissioner for Co-operative Development and reserved for 30 days.
Applicants then prepare and submit Form I (the application form), draft bylaws, a list of members, copies of IDs, meeting minutes, a business plan, and proof of office address to the County Cooperative Office, along with a registration fee of Ksh 3,000 to 5,000. Once approved, the cooperative receives a Certificate of Registration.
After registration, the cooperative must open a bank account, begin operations, recruit members, and maintain accurate financial records. It is also required to hold Annual General Meetings (AGMs), submit annual returns, and present audited financial statements to the Commissioner.
SACCOs that collect deposits must additionally register with the SACCO Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA).
By meeting these requirements, cooperatives in Kenya can operate legally and sustainably while contributing to the country’s social and economic development.
