How to Register a Sacco In Kenya.
In recent times, the number of Saccos in Kenya has grown tremendously. Both large corporations and individuals are investing in Sacco registration due to the attractive regulations and financial benefits these organizations offer. Savings and credit cooperatives (Saccos) provide an effective way to save and access quick and affordable means of raising capital. The power of a Sacco comes from its members and the regular income from their contributions.
Registration requirements for a Sacco
To register a Sacco in Kenya, you need to follow specific steps and meet certain requirements. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to register a Sacco in Kenya, covering both non-deposit-taking and deposit-taking Saccos.
Non Deposit Taking Sacco Registration:
- Formal Request: Submit a formal request in writing expressing the intent to form a Sacco.
- Proposed Names: Provide proposed names for search and approval.
- Objectives: Clearly state the objects of the society.
- Members: Have at least 10 members. Provide their names, occupations, and postal addresses.
- Officials: List the names, occupations, and postal addresses of the Chairman, Treasurer, and Secretary.
- Physical Address: Provide the proposed physical address, including road, plot number, town, and county.
- Constitution: Draft a constitution for the society.
- Forms: Complete and submit Form A (application for registration) and Form B (notification of registered office and address).
- Additional Documents: Submit the proposed by-laws, a filled application for registration form, a supplementary information form, and an economic appraisal, all in four copies.
- Employer’s Letter: For salaried workers, include a letter from the employer agreeing to check off.
- Pre-Cooperative Meeting Minutes: Include minutes of the pre-cooperative Sacco meeting.
Upon receiving these documents, the Cooperative Officer will convene a meeting with the proposed members within a week. The meeting, requiring at least ten members, will focus on pre-cooperative education. During this meeting, promoters will appoint interim officials to oversee the registration process.
Upon approval of the name, a Sacco registration form will need to be completed with details of all the board members and members including proof of identity documents, physical address of all members.
The registration process takes about two months.
Deposit Taking Sacco Registration:
If the Sacco intend on taking deposits from your members/customers, you must obtain a license from the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA), as mandated by Section 24 of the Sacco Societies Act 2008.
- Formal Request: Submit a formal request to SASRA.
- Employer’s Confirmation: For formally employed persons, include a confirmation letter from the employer.
- Religious Organizations: Provide a certificate of incorporation and a letter of approval from the presiding clergy for religious-based common bonds.
- Matatu/Transport Societies: Include copies of at least ten logbooks of the proposed members’ vehicles.
- Business Licenses: Submit certificates of incorporation or business licenses from at least ten proposed members.
- Marketing Societies: Provide an introductory letter from the area chief confirming the common bond and expected production.
- Welfare Groups: Submit a copy of the registration certificate from the relevant ministry for welfare and self-help groups converting to cooperatives.
- Informal Organizations: Include a letter of introduction from the area chief.
Sacco Rules and Regulations. Sacco Societies Regulations 2010
Once you complete these steps, you will receive a Certificate of Registration from the Registrar. This certificate allows your Sacco to acquire a bank account, business permits, NHIF and NSSF arrangements, and tax arrangements.
The newly registered Sacco is required by law to convene its first general meeting within a month after receiving the certificate. Failure to do so will lead the cooperative officer to recommend the immediate cancellation of the registration certificate to the Commissioner for Cooperative Development.
By following these guidelines, you can successfully register a Sacco in Kenya, enabling it to offer competitive financial services, including attractive interest rates on loans, to its members.
