LEGAL NOTICE No.

123

THE CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES ACT

(No. 12 of 1997)

IN EXERCISE of the Powers conferred by Section 91 of the Co-operative Societies Act,

1997, the Minister for Co-operative Development and Marketing hereby makes the
following Rules: -

THE CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES RULES, 2004

1. These rules may be cited as the Co-operative Societies Rules, 2004 Citation

and shall come into operation on the 5th November, 2004.

2. In these Rules, unless the context otherwise require –

“Board” means the board of representatives of a co-operative union
or apex society established by rule 24;
“Fund” means the Management and Supervision Fund established by
rule 18;
“Liquidation account” means the co-operative societies Liquidation
account established by rule 49;
“register” means the register of co-operative societies kept under rule
3;
“Supervisory committee” has the meaning assigned to under section
2 of the Act.
3. (1) The Commissioner shall keep or cause to be kept at his office a Register of
Cooperative
record called the register of Co-operative societies wherein shall be Societies
entered particulars relating to the registration of societies and their
bylaws and any amendments thereto.

(2) Every entry in the register shall be made by, or under the
direction of, the Commissioner and shall be signed by him and every
alteration, interlineation or erasure shall be initialed by the
Commissioner.
4. An application for the registration of a society under Section 6 of the Application for
registration
Act shall be made to the Commissioner in Form 1 in the schedule to
these Rules and shall be accompanied by an appraisal in writing of
the viability of the society and a non-refundable fee of five hundred
shillings.
5. Upon registration of a society and payment of a fee of three thousand Certificate of
Registration
shillings, the Commissioner shall forward to the society the
following:

(a) a certificate of registration in Form IIA in the Schedule to

these Rules or certificate of provisional registration in Form
IIB, as the case may be;

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 (b) a copy of the by-laws of the society as registered by him and
certified under his hand as having been registered by him;

(c) a copy of the Act and the Rules made thereunder;

(d) a copy of the application for registration.

6. (1) Where the Commissioner refuses to register a proposed society or Notification of
refusal to register a
its by-laws, he shall give the applicant his reasons in writing for such society
refusal within sixty days of the refusal.

(2) A person aggrieved by the Commissioner’s refusal under sub-rule

(1) may appeal against the refusal to the minister on paying a filling
fee of one thousand shillings.

7. (1) A co-operative society shall make by-laws in respect of the Bylaws

following matters:-

(a) its name;

(b) its registered office and postal address;

(c) the area of operation and membership common bond;

(d) the objects of the society;

(e) the purposes to which its funds may be applied;

(f) the disposal of its accumulated funds;

(g) the qualification for membership, the terms of admission of

members and the mode of their admission;

(h) the withdrawal and expulsion of members and the payment,

if any, to be made to such members and the time within
which such payment shall be made;

(i) the rights, liabilities and obligations of members; including

the minimum share holding and produce delivery;

(j) the transfer of the shares or interests of the members;

(k) the manner of raising funds, including the maximum rate of

interest on deposits;

(l) its general meetings, the procedure and quorum of such

meetings, power of such meetings and representation and
voting at such meetings;

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 (m) the appointment, suspension and removal of members of the
committee and officers and the powers and duties of the
committee and officers;

(n) the period of its financial year;

(o) the authorization of officers to sign documents on its behalf;

(p) the settlement of disputes; and

(q) such other matters as may be expedient for the better

carrying out the provisions of these Rules.

(2) If the objects of the society include the creation of funds to be

lent to its members, by-laws shall also be made in respect of the
conditions on which loans and advances may be made to
members including:-

(a) the rate of interest;

(b) the maximum amount which may be lent to a member;

(c) the extension, renewal and recovery of loans;

(d) the period and purpose of loans;

(e) the security for loans;

(f) the consequences of default in the repayment of any sum due.

8. (1) When in pursuance to the provisions of section 8(1) of the Act a Amendment of
bylaws
co-operative society amends its by-laws, such amendments shall
be made by a resolution of the members at a general meeting in
respect of which at least fifteen clear days notification of the
proposed amendment shall have been given to the members of
the society.

(2) No resolution under paragraph (1) of this Rule shall be valid

and effective unless:-

(a) in the case of a co-operative society with unlimited

liability, half of the members of the society are present at
the meeting and three quarters of them vote in favour of
the resolution; or

(b) in the case of a co-operative society with limited liability,

a majority of the members of the society present at the
meeting or in writing vote in favour of the resolution:

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 Provided that when written votes are used the following
conditions shall apply:-

(i) all members of the society shall have been issued

by the secretary of the society voting papers to
enable the members within reasonable time
before the voting to record their votes and return
them.

(ii) the votes shall have been examined, counted and

the results notified to members by the committee.

(3) When in pursuance to the provisions of section 8 of the Act any

amendment sent to the Commissioner, it shall be accompanied
by a certification in Form III in the Schedule to these Rules
together with a copy of the amendment in quadruplicate.

(4) Upon such amendment of by-laws being registered, the society

shall be issued with a duly signed copy upon payment of a fee
of one thousand shillings.
9. (1) No co-operative society shall fix any limit to the number of its Membership of a
society
members.
(2) Any member of a co-operative society who ceases to qualify for
membership of such society under section 14 of the Act, these Rules
or the by-laws of the society, shall forthwith cease to be a member of
the society and the committee shall direct the secretary to strike his
name off the register of members.
10. (1) Subject to the provisions of section 20 of the Act and paragraph Transfer of Shares

(3) of this Rule and subject to the approval of the committee a

member may transfer his share or shares in a co-operative
society to any other member of the society or to any person
whose membership of the society has been approved by the
committee.

(2) No transfer of a share in a co-operative society shall be valid

and effective until such transfer has been recorded in the
register of the society.

(3) No transfer of a share or shares in a co-operative society shall

be valid and effective if made by a member indebted to a
society whether such debt is due for payment or not.

(4) When for any reason other than death, a member of a co-
operative society registered with limited liability holding
deposit from non-members ceases to be a member, he may,
subject to section 20 of the Act, transfer his share or shares in
such society to another member, or to a proposed member
approved by such society, but he shall not be entitled to
repayment from the society of any money paid by him in

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 respect of such share or shares.

11. Subject to the provisions of the Act, these rules and the Rights of a Member

registered by-laws of the society concerned, a member of a

society may transfer his membership to another registered
society.

12. No society shall operate without a budget approved by a general Approval of budget

meeting.

13. (1) A co-operative society shall keep up-to-date and in proper Books to be kept by
a registered society
businesslike manner such accounts and such books as the
Commissioner may from time to time direct either generally or
in respect of any particular society or class of societies.

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph 1 of this rule, every co-operative

society shall keep the following books:-

(a) a register of members showing in respect of each

member:-

(i) the name, age, date of application for membership,

postal address and occupation;

(ii) the date he was admitted to membership;

(iii) the date on which he ceased to be a member;

(iv) the appointment, if any, of his nominees in

accordance with rule 32 of these Rules;

(b) a minute book giving details of the proceedings at general

meetings;

(c) a minute book giving details of the proceeding at

committee meetings;

(d) a cash book showing details of all moneys received and

expended or paid out in any way by the society;

(e) a ledger containing such accounts as are necessary to

properly record the transactions of the business;

(f) a personal ledger showing transactions of each member

with the society including details of produce delivered to
the society by each member and the payment made
therefor;

(g) an assets register;

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 (h) a stock control ledger;

(i) a register of charges showing in respect of every charge

created by the society the amount of the charge and the
person entitled thereto;

(j) a register of loans to members showing in respect of each

loan the name of the borrower, the amount borrowed, the
purpose of the loan, the due date of repayment, and the
date the repayment is made;

(k) a ledger showing deposits and withdrawals by members;

and

(l) such other books as the committee may decide or the

Commissioner may prescribe.
14. The annual return required to be filed pursuant to section 25 of the Annual return

Act, shall be in Form IVA in the schedule to these Rules and shall
be filed with the Commissioner within four months after the closure
of the financial year.
15. Every co-operative society shall cause its audited accounts to be Displaying Audited
Accounts
displayed in a conspicuous place of its registered office and branches
at least two weeks before presentation of the accounts to its
members in the general meeting.

16. (1) A person qualified as an auditor under the Accountants Act Approval of
Auditors to audit
wishing to be considered to audit co-operative societies shall Societies
make an application in writing to the Commissioner and shall
pay a fee of three thousand shillings and such application may
be made annually.

(2) The Commissioner may cause the list of auditors approved to

audit Co-operative societies to be published in the Kenya
Gazette.
17. (1) The audited accounts required to be submitted to the Accounts
Regulations
Commissioner pursuant to Section 25(7) of the Act shall be in
six copies and shall –
(a) have the following minimum disclosures –
(i) correct name of the society as registered must appear
on all accounts along with its registration number;
(ii) share capital disclosed separately
(iii) statutory reserve computed separately;
(iv) one total only disclosed for each main group of assets
and liabilities;
(v) specified loans as short term if repayments period is
less than five years and long term if repayment is
more than five years;
(vi) provision for dividends, bonus or honorarium

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 disclosed under current liabilities;
(vii) a detailed schedule of depreciation of fixed assets
under “notes to account”;
(viii) details of all investments disclosed under “notes to
account”;
(ix) stocks and cash balances stated indicating whether
verified or otherwise;
(x) the balance sheet signed by the chairman and two
other committee members;
(xi) separate accounts prepared in respect of each activity;
(xii) no material amount written off except with a
resolution of the general meeting of the society
accompanied by satisfactory explanation.

(b) include a statement of management responsibility; and

(c) be submitted together with –

(i) an extract of minutes of the general meeting in support
of appointment of the auditor; and
(ii) a bankers cheque of the relevant audit and supervision
fee.

(2) on submission of audited accounts the auditor shall pay to the

Commissioner a fee equivalent to 0.2 percent of the audit fee
charged subject to a minimum of two hundred shillings.

(3) The audited accounts shall be read together with Commissioners

observation and comments thereon, if any.

18. (1) There is hereby established a fund to be known as the Administration of

the Management
Management and Supervision Fund and every registered Fund
society shall, unless exempted in writing by the Commissioner,
pay into it annually an audit and supervision fee.

(2) The Commissioner shall administer the Fund and the balance of
the Management Fund shall be kept with the accounting officer
who shall be authorized to accept receipts and to make
payments in accordance with the provisions of these Rules.

Provided that the accounting officer shall not make any payment
from the Fund unless he holds a cash balance on behalf of the
Fund sufficient to cover the payment.

(3) The receipts to the management fund shall consist of:-

(a) fees under sub-rule (1) as fixed by the Commissioner for

the better carrying out of the provisions and purposes of
section 25 of the Act;

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 (b) ten per centum of the audit fees paid by the society to the
auditor in respect of the annual accounts and balance in
question; and

(c) the fees prescribed under rule 16 and 17 (12).

(4) Expenditure charged to the Fund may include expenditure for:-

(a) purchases of specialized stationery, office machinery and

equipment for use by the Commissioner in the administration
of co-operative societies and the Fund;

(b) repairs of office machinery and equipment purchased from

the management fund;

(c) temporary extra clerical assistance, authorized by the

Commissioner as necessary from time to time in connection
with the audit and supervision of co-operative societies;

(d) payment of professional audit fees which shall be

subsequently recovered wholly or in part from co-operative
societies concerned;

(e) liquidation expenses including legal fees and costs where no

moneys are available to the liquidator and where in the
opinion of the Commissioner such expenditure is necessary
for the proper carrying out of the liquidation; and

(f) any other expenditure approved by the Treasury

including the investment of funds surplus to
requirements.
19. (1) Fifty per cent of the annual receipts received by the Fund shall Application of
Management Fund
be payable half yearly to the Government as appropriations-in-
aid.

(2) All payments made from the Management Fund shall be

supported by vouchers and authorized by the commissioner in
the same manner as for other Government expenditure.
(3) The Fund shall be audited annually by the Controller and
Auditor General.

20. (1) The quorum of general meetings of a co-operative society shall Quorum at general
meetings
be as laid down in the by-laws:

(2) Where a meeting is convened by the commissioner under

provisions of section 27 (8) of the Act, members present at such
meetings shall be deemed to constitute a quorum.

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21. (1) At all general meetings of a co-operative society the Chairman
or in his absence the vice chairman or such other person as provided
for in the by-laws shall preside and in their absence any person
elected by a majority of those present shall preside.

(2) The Commissioner or his representative may preside at any

meeting convened under the provisions section 27(8) of the Act but
shall not be entitled to vote.

22. (1) Unless otherwise provided for in the Act, these Rules or by- Voting at general
meetings
laws of a co-operative society, any question referred to the
members present at a meeting shall be decided by majority
votes.

(2) The Chairman shall declare whether every resolution put to

the vote has been carried or lost and shall cause an entry to
that effect to be made in the minute book of the society which
when signed by him shall be conclusive evidence of anything
contained therein.

(3) The Chairman shall have one vote only and no casting vote.

(4) A resolution on which the voting is equal shall be postponed

to a subsequent meeting.

23. (1) The committee of a society shall be elected for a term of three The Committee of a
society
years and no member shall be elected to the committee for more
than two consecutive terms.

(2) The majority members of the committee may for good cause
suspend a committee member subject to ratification by a general
meeting.

(3) If during the term of office of a committee, a vacancy occurs in

the committee, the committee shall, if the number drops below
five, co-opt a member of the society to serve on the committee
until the next general meeting of the society.

(4) Elected members of a committee shall be removed only by a

two thirds majority of members of the society present and
voting at a general meeting.

(5) If a general meeting removes a member of the committee, it

shall forthwith elect a new member who shall hold office for the
remainder of the term of the member so removed and where the
entire committee is removed from office, the general meeting
may decide to elect or fix a day for election of an interim
committee of not more than five members to hold office for a
period not exceeding ninety days.

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 (6) The quorum at a committee meeting shall be as laid down in the
by-laws.

(7) The committee of a registered society shall hold regular

meetings at which:-

(i) the minutes of its previous meeting shall be considered and

confirmed;

(ii) the accounts, bank books and cash in hand shall be

scrutinized and checked, and the committee’s observations
thereon recorded in the minutes.

(iii) Any current business shall be considered.

(8) A person elected into a committee of a co-operative union or
apex society on the basis of his elected [position at the affiliate primary
co-operative society shall cease to be a committee member of the co-
operative union or apex society upon being replaced or voted out at the
primary co-operative society.

24. (1) Every co-operative union and apex society shall have a Board Board of
Representatives
of Representatives consisting of at least one delegate from
each affiliated society elected at its annual general meeting.

(2) No member serving on the committee of a co-operative union

may be elected to serve on the board.

(3) A chairman shall be chosen for each meeting from amongst the
representatives in attendance at the meeting.

(4) Every representative shall hold office until the next annual
general meeting after his election but shall be eligible for re-
election.

(5) If during the currency of office of the board a vacancy occurs

such a vacancy may be filled by a nominee of the committee
of the affiliated society concerned.

(6) The quorum at board meetings shall be two thirds of the total
number of representatives.
25. The board shall be empowered to give directions in regard to the Duties and powers
of the Board
business of a co-operative society to the extent that it shall
have authority to convene a special general meeting of the
society when in disagreement with its committee.
26. (1) The board may hold a regular quarter yearly meeting at which Meetings of the
Board
the minutes of the previous meeting shall be considered and
confirmed.

(2) The secretary of the co-operative society shall be secretary at all

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 Board meetings.

(3) The committee of the co-operative society shall send to each

member of the board agenda and minutes of all meetings of the
registered society and communications in respect thereof.

(4) The Board shall send to the committee of the registered society
agenda and notice specifying date, hour and place of board meetings
and may require the attendance of the committee or any officer of
the co-operative society at such meeting.

(5) The Board shall send to the commissioner or his representative at

the proper time, notice and agenda of every meeting, all minutes and
communications in respect thereof and its recommendations, if any.
27. (1) Where a Co-operative society, pursuant to Section 27(5) of the Duties of the
Manager
Act employs a Manager, his duties shall include -

(i) general management of the society.

(ii) maintenance and custody of society books, accounts,

assets, registers, certificates, society seal, chequebooks
and any other accountable document; and

(iii) Counter-signing societies’ cheques, contracts and other

documents.

(2) All employs of a co-operative society shall appointed in

accordance with the terms and conditions of service approved
by the Commissioner.

(3) The committee of a co-operative society may, if it deems it fit,

require the manager and any other officer, on appointment, to
give such security as it may determine.

28. (1) Every society shall have a Supervisory Committee consisting of Supervisory
Committee
three members each elected at a general meeting for a period of
three years and one member of the supervisory committee shall
retire annually.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-rule (3), the supervisory

committee may be removed by a resolution of a general meeting.

(3) The duties of the supervisory committee shall include:-

i) verification of all transactions of the society;

ii) writing periodic reports of its findings to be tabled at

management committee meetings;

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 iii) Submission of its reports to the commissioner;

iv) presenting its reports to the general meeting.

(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-rule (3), the supervisory

committee shall not perform the duties or exercise any of the
powers of the committee of a society.

29. (1) Every committee member shall, pursuant to Section 27(6) of Committee
members to file
the Act, file an indemnity in Form V in the schedule to these indemnity.
Rules whose amount shall be determined by the general
meeting and which shall be lodged with the commissioner
within fourteen days upon election to the committee.

(2) A committee member who fails to comply with the

requirements of this rule shall automatically cease to be a
member of the committee.

30. Where a society intends to exercise its rights of set-off under Society to
have first
section 34 of the Act, the society shall give fourteen days’ notice of charge
such intention to the members or past member concerned.
31. Pursuant to Section 35(1) of the Act, every - Authorization of
deductions

(a) member of a co-operative society may fill a deduction

authorization in Form VIA set out in the schedule to these
Rules.

(b) co-operative society receiving deductions from employers

shall file monthly remittance returns to the Commissioner
not later than the 15th day of every month in form VIB in
the schedule to these Rules

32. (1) Every member of the society may appoint his nominee or Appointment of
Nominees
nominees for the purposes of section 39 of the Act.

(2) No member of a co-operative society shall be entitled to

appoint more than one nominee unless that member holds
more than one share.

(3) Where more than one nominee is appointed by any member,

the number of shares to be transferred to each of these
nominees shall be specified at the time of the appointment.

(4) Every appointment of a nominee by any member of a co-

operative society shall be made in writing and signed by the
member in the presence of two witnesses and shall be in Form
VII set out in the schedule to these Rules.

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 (5) Every appointment of nominee shall be acknowledged by the
society.

(6) For the purpose of transfer to a nominee, the value of any

share or interest shall be represented by the sum actually paid
for that share or interest by the member holding it unless the
by-laws of the society otherwise provide.

(7) Where the deceased member is in credit with the society, any
nominee under this rule may be paid all dues on evidence of
death being produced without awaiting lawful administration
of the estate.

(8) Where any money is paid to a nominee who is a minor, a

receipt given either by the minor or by his guardian shall be
sufficient discharge to the society.

(9) If for any reason on the death of a member a nominee does not
exist, the society may pay any money due to the deceased
member to the personal representative or recognized heirs of
that deceased member.

(10) In the event of any person so nominated dying or of the

member desiring to cancel any such nomination, the member
may from time to time nominate in writing another person in
the same manner, and the necessary alteration shall be made in
the register of members.

33. For the purpose of Section 40 of the Act a copy of an entry in any Copies of entries

book of a co-operative society may be certified as a true copy of

such entry by the Chairman and one other officer authorized by the
committee.

34. (1) A co-operative society which under its by-laws has power to Limitation of
borrowing powers
borrow money shall from time to time at a general meeting fix
the maximum liability which it may incur in loans or deposits
from non members.

(2) Notification of the maximum liabilities so fixed shall be sent to

the Commissioner in Form VIII set out in the Schedule to these
Rules.

(3) The maximum liabilities fixed shall be subject to the approval of

the Commissioner who may at any time reduce it or impose such
conditions as he may deem necessary.

(4) Any member of the society may appeal against the decision of the
Commissioner made under sub-rule (3) to the Minister within
thirty days of such decision.

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35. A Co-operative society other than a society with authorization Restriction on
borrowing
under these Rules to operate front office services, may receive
deposits and loans from persons who are not members if -

(a) the general meeting is satisfied that the society needs

the deposit or loan;

(b) the general meeting is satisfied that the terms of the

deposit or loan and the rate of interest are reasonable;

(c) repayment of the deposit or loan is secured to the

satisfaction of the general meeting;

(d) the maximum liability fixed under Rule 34 of these

Rules is not exceeded; and

(e) the general meeting has given specific approval for the
deposit or loan.
36. Where the society invests in real estate other than for its own Investment of
society funds
accommodation, it shall not hold more than twenty per cent of the
equity in the investment or expend a sum exceeding twenty five
percent of its share capital in such a venture.
37. (1) Every co-operative society shall pay into the reserve fund Duty to maintain
reserve fund
maintained in pursuance to the provisions of Section 47 of the
Act, one-fifth of any net surplus resulting from the operations
of the society during a financial year.

(2) The Reserve fund of a society shall be invested or deposited in

the manner provided for in Section 45 of the Act and these
rules.

(3) No withdrawals shall be made from the reserve fund of a co-

operative society without the consent in writing of the
Commissioner and any such withdrawals shall be made good
from the net available funds accruing to the society if the
annual general meeting so directs.

(4) The reserve fund shall be indivisible and no member shall be

entitled to claim a specified share of it.

(5) The reserve fund shall be kept in a separate account to be

known as the reserve fund account.

(6) The society shall cause an annual audit of the reserve fund
account.

38. (1) On the dissolution of a co-operative society the assets Application of

Reserve Fund
represented by the reserve fund shall be applied in the discharge of

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 the liabilities of the society.

(2) Any assets that may remain after discharging the liabilities of the
society, including repayment of share capital representing a
balance of the reserve fund, may be applied to some object of
local or public utility as may be selected by a general meeting of
the society; Provided that: -

(i) if within three months of the dissolution of the society a

general meeting fails to select an object, the Commissioner
shall cause the funds to be deposited in a bank and on the
registration of a new society in substantially the same area
as that in which the dissolved society operated, the
Commissioner may credit all or part of the funds to the new
society; and

(ii) if within a period of three years from the date of deposit of

the funds in a bank no such new co-operative society is
formed, the Commissioner may apply the funds to an object
of local or public utility to be approved by the Minister.

39. No loan shall be made to a member of a co-operative society save in Loans to Members

accordance with the conditions laid down for the making of such
loans in the society’s by-law.

40. The particulars of charge required to be filed pursuant to Section 51 Form of particulars
of charge
of the Act shall be in Form IX set out in the Schedule to these Rules
and shall be accompanied by the instrument creating the charge or a
copy thereof, certified to be a true copy under the seal of the society
or under the hand of some person interested therein otherwise than
on behalf of the society.

41. The register and chronological index required to be kept pursuant to Register of
chronological index
Section 52(4) of the Act shall be in Form XA and XB respectivelyset
out in the schedule to these Rules.

42. Upon registration of a charge, the society shall be issued with a Certificate of
registration of
certificate of registration of a charge as prescribed in form XI in the charges
schedule to these rules; upon payment of a fee of two thousand five
hundred shillings.

43. The certificate of satisfaction of charges shall be in the prescribed Certificate of

Satisfaction of
Form XII set out in schedule to these rules. Charges

44. Where a Receiver or Manager is appointed pursuant to section 54 of Remuneration of a

receiver or Manager
the Act, the Commissioner shall determine his remuneration.

45. (1) The by-laws, annual returns, audited accounts and balance sheets Inspection of
documents
of every co-operative society and the register of charges shall be

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 open to the public for inspection at the office of the
Commissioner, on payment of a fee for one thousand shillings
for each inspection.

(2) For every inspection made pursuant to section 57(1) of the Act
the fee payable shall be one thousand shillings.

(3) The Commissioner shall upon request and on payment of a fee to

be determined by him and not exceeding two thousand shillings
for each copy, supply certified copies of the by-laws, annual
returns, audited accounts and balance sheet of a co-operative
society.

46. (1) Any inquiry held pursuant to Section 58 of the Act shall not be Inquiry by the
Commissioner
conducted continuously for a period lasting more than sixty.

(2) The Commissioner, may pursuant to Section 58(4) of the Act,

appoint a Chairman of the interim Committee.

(3) The Committee shall implement the inquiry report and

prepare for society elections.

(4) A copy of the inquiry report may be issued on application

therefore and upon payment of a fee of two thousand
shillings.

(5) A person may appeal to the Minister against rejection of his

application for a copy of an inquiry report within thirty days
of such refusal and a fee of one thousand shillings on the
filing of such an appeal.

47. Where the Commissioner exercises powers pursuant to section 60A Impromptu
Inspections
of the Act, a report of the inspection shall be filed with the
management committee within fourteen days of the conclusion of
the inspection and the committee shall act in accordance with the
recommendations, if any.

48. A liquidator appointed under section 65 of the Act shall publish in Publication of
notice requiring
the Gazette and in at least one daily newspaper circulating in the claims to be
area in which the society whose registration has been cancelled, submitted to the
liquidator
operates, a notice requiring claims against such society to be
submitted to him within two months from the date of such
publication.

49. (1) There is hereby established an account to be known as the “Co- Liquidation Account

operative Societies Liquidation Account” (hereinafter referred

to in this rule as the Liquidation Account) which shall be
administered by the Commissioner or his representative.

16
 (2) The following shall be paid into the Account:-

(a) all moneys realized in the liquidation where a bank

account does not exist at the commencement of the
liquidation;

(b) any unpaid claims on closure of a liquidation; and

(c) any surplus balance on closure of a liquidation.

(3) The following may be paid from the Account:-

(a) claims, previously unpaid, subject to certification by the

Commissioner or a person nominated by him for the
purpose, within a period of two years from the date of the
closure of liquidation;

(b) distribution in any liquidation under paragraph (2) (a) of

this rule.

(4) The Commissioner may authorize, after the expiration of two

years from the date of closure of any liquidation, payment of
balances of unpaid claims and surplus from the Account into the
Fund.

50. No co-operative society shall invest its funds in non-core business, Investment in non
core business
except in consultation with the commissioner and approval by the
general meeting through a special resolution.

51. (1) Where upon inspection or inquiry the Commissioner considers Suspension of
Operations
that a co-operative society accepting deposits from its members
is bankrupt or insolvent, or that it has willfully violated the Act,
or is operating in an unsafe or unsound manner, the
Commissioner may issue an order temporarily suspending these
operations for up to thirty days.

(2) The committee shall be given written notice of the suspension,

which shall include a list of the reasons for the suspension.
Upon receipt of the notice, the society shall cease all operations,
except those allowed by the Commissioner. The committee
must then reply to the suspension notice within the time
specified by the Commissioner.

(3) The committee may within the time specified by the

Commissioner, show cause why the suspension of its operations
should not continue.

(4) The committee may request for a hearing and may present its
proposal to remedy the situation in order to resume operations

17
 of taking deposits from members..

(5) Upon receipt of evidence that the conditions causing the

suspension have been corrected, the Commissioner may revoke
the suspension and permit the society to resume normal
operations.

(5) If the Commissioner after providing an opportunity for a

hearing, rejects the society’s’ plan to continue operation, he
may issue an order of involuntary liquidation and appoint a
liquidator and where the society fails to answer the suspension
notice or to request a hearing within the prescribed time, the
Commissioner may issue an order of involuntary liquidation
and appoint a liquidator and liquidate the society.

52. (1) Every co-operative society operating or intending to operate Establishment of

Front Office
Front office services, shall after a resolution of the general meeting
apply in writing to the Commissioner for authorization.

(2) In considering an application for authorization made under

sub-rule (1), the Commissioner shall take into account the -

(a) location of front office;

(b) minimum capital (capital base) of the society;

(c) risk management systems;

(d) size of membership;

(e) human resource;

(f) security;

(g) Liability; and

(h) Such other factors as may be necessary.

(3) All Co-operative societies operating Front Office Services shall -

(a) maintain a minimum liquidity at ten percent of the

deposits.

(b) Maintain a minimum capital adequacy and reserves at ten

per centum of its total liabilities.

(c) Maintain such other prudential standards as may be

directed by the commissioner in writing from time to time;

18
 (d) Make provisions for bad and doubtful debts before any
surplus is declared;

(e) Ensure that the provision for bad and doubtful debts made
under paragraph (d) of this sub-rule complies with such
guidelines as may be prescribed by the Commissioner.

(4) The Commissioner may;

(a) require a co-operative society to submit statistics

regularly; and

(b) collect such data and other information as may be

necessary for protection of members funds.

53. (1) The Commissioner may of his own accord, and, shall if so Inspections of Front
office
directed by the Minister, cause a Front Office Operation to be
inspected by any person authorized by him, in writing, on any
co-operative Society and of its books, accounts and records.

(2) When an inspection is made under sub-rule (1), the Co-

operative Society and every officer and employee thereof shall
produce and make available to the person making the inspection
all the books, accounts, records and other documents of the co-
operative society and such correspondence, statements and
information relating to the society, its business and the conduct
thereof as the person making the inspection may require.

(3) All information obtained in the course of the inspection shall be

treated as confidential and used solely for the purposes of the
Rules and By-laws made under the Act.

(4) The person carrying out inspection shall submit his report to the
Commissioner; and the report shall draw attention to any breach
or non-observance of the requirements of the Act, Rules and by-
laws made thereunder; any irregularity in the manner of conduct
of the business of the Co-operative society inspected; any
apparent mismanagement of the business or lack of management
skills in that Society and any matter revealed or discovered in
the course of the inspection warranting, in the opinion of the
person making the inspection, remedial action or further
investigation.

54. (1) If, at any time, the Commissioner has reason to believe that the Corrective measures

business of a co-operative Society is being conducted in a

manner contrary to or not in compliance with the requirements
of the Act or these Rules or in a manner detrimental to the

19
 interests of its members, the Commissioner may;

(a) make recommendations to the co-operative society

with regard to the conduct of its business generally.

(b) Issue directives regarding measures to be taken to

improve the management or business methods of the
co-operative Society or to secure or improve
compliance; or

(c) appoint a person suitably qualified and competent, to

advise and assist the society generally or for the
purposes of implementing any directions under
paragraph (b) and such officer shall be paid from the
funds of the society.

55. The Co-operative Societies Rules, 1998 are hereby revoked. Revocation of
L.N.157/1998

20
 SCHEDULE

FORM 1 r. 4

THE CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES (AMMENDMENT) ACT

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF A CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY

TO: The Commissioner for Co-operative Development

P.O. Box 40811
Nairobi.

1. Name of proposed Co-operative Society ……………………………...

2. Area of operation ……………………………………………………...
3. Type of society ………………………………………………………...
4. Whether limited or unlimited liability is desired ……………………...
5. Language in which the books and account will be kept ………………
6. Name of person appointed to perform the duties of the secretary of the society
…………………………………………………………………
7. Registered office and postal address of the society …………………...
………………………………………………………………………….
We the undersigned hereby apply for the registration of the above society under the Act, and
enclose four copies of the proposed by law-laws in English.

No. Name Occupation Age Address Signature

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

21
FORM II A (r. 5(a))
THE CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES ACT

CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION
REGISTRATION NO…………..
I hereby certify that the Co-operative Society under the name of
………………………………………………………………………………...
and its by-laws have this day been provisionally registered by me in the Register of Co-operative
Societies, in pursuance to the provisions of the Act and the Rule made thereunder.
Given under my hand at Nairobi, this ………………………………………
day of …………………………………… 20………

………………………………………………….
Commissioner for Co-operative Development

FORM II B (r. 5(a))

THE CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES ACT

CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION
REGISTRATION NO…………..
I hereby certify that the Co-operative Society under the name of
………………………………………………………………………………...
and its by-laws have this day been registered by me in the Register of Co-operative Societies, in
pursuance to the provisions of the Act and the Rule made thereunder.
Given under my hand at Nairobi, this ………………………………………….
day of …………………………………… 20………

………………………………………………….
Commissioner for Co-operative Development

22
FORM III ( r. 8(3)

THE CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES ACT

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT OF BY-LAWS

We, ………………………………………………………………………………

Chairman and secretary of* …………………………………………………

Co-operative Society Limited hereby certify:-
(i) that the enclosed amendment for the by-laws was made at a general meeting held on
…………………………………..

(ii) that on that date there were ……………………….. number of members’ in the society register of whom
……………………….. were present in the meeting;

(iii) that ……………………. members voted for the amendment;

(iv) that proper notice of the meeting and the proposed amendment were issued to all members of the society;

+(v) that a voting paper was duly issued to every member;

++(vi) that the amendment had received the prior approval of the Commissioner for Co-operative Development.

…………………………
Chairman

Date …………………………………. ………………………….

Secretary

* Insert name of society.

+ To be deleted in all cases except those in which voting papers have been used by a society of limited
liability.

++ Deleted if not applicable.

23
FORM IVA S.25 r. 15

THE CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES ACT

ANNUAL RETURN FOR THE YEAR ……………………

(to be submitted within four months of the end of the financial year)

1. Name of the Co-operative Society …………………………………………………

2. Registration Number ……………………… Date of Registration ……………..
3. Registered Address ……………………………………………………………..
4. Type of Society ………………………………………………………………….
5. The liability of members is *……………………………………………………..
(i) limited to the nominal value for each share held;
(ii) limited to ………………… times the nominal value of each share held;
(iii) unlimited.
6. The number of members of the society is ………………………………………
7. The number of shares issued is …………………………………………………..
8. The nominal value of one share is Kshs. …………………………………………
9. The maximum liability which the society may incur in loans or deposits is Kshs.
…………………………………………………………………………………..

10. The total indebtedness of the society secured by registered charges is Kshs……….
11. The date the last annual general meeting was held ……………………………….
12. Particulars of offices for the financial year from ………………. to ……………. are as
follows:-

Title of Office Name of Holder

Chairman ………………………………… ……………………………………

Vice Chairman ………………………….. …………………………………

Committee members
(a) ……………………………. ……………………………………
(b) ……………………………. ……………………………………
(c) …….………………………. ……………………………………

13. A certified true copy of the audited accounts and balance sheet is filed herewith.

Dated this …………………………….. day of ………………………… 20 ……………..

(Signed) ………………….
Secretary/Manager

*Delete as necessary.

24
FORM V (r. 29 (1))

THE CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES ACT

INDEMNITY TO A CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY
TO: …………………………………………….
…………………………………………….
…………………………………………….

In consideration of your giving or continuing to give an Indemnity of

Kshs. ……………………………………… I ………………………………… Jointly and
severally for myself and my legal personal representatives, successors and assigns hereby:-

(a) Agree to keep you indemnified against all actions, proceedings, liability, claims, losses,
damages, costs and expenses arising from action and omissions as a consequence of my
role in the mismanagement of the resources of the co-operative society in my capacity as
a member of the committee/board.

(b) Irrevocably authorise you to offset the liability, losses, damages, costs and expenses by
attaching my shares, deposits, personal property and other personal assets without prior
reference to me;

(c) Irrevocably authorise you to make any payments and comply with any demands which
may be claimed from or made upon you under the said indemnity without any further
reference to or further authority from me and agree that it shall not be incumbent upon
you to inquire whether or not any dispute exists between myself and the beneficiary of
the said indemnity and further agree that any payment in accordance or purporting to be
in accordance with the said indemnity shall be binding on me and shall be accepted by
me as conclusive evidence, that you were liable to make such payments or comply with
such demands and further that you may at any time determine the said indemnity.

(d) Irrevocably authorize you to

(i) debit my share/deposit account with Kshs. …………… and to hold this amount as
security margin against your liability under the said indemnity until such time as
the same may discharge;

(ii) and/or agree to undertake to deposit with you upon request made by you at any
time until the same indemnity shall have been released such or other securities as
may be acceptable to you in full or part of your liability under the same
indemnity.

Signed this ………………………………. day of ……………. 20………..

Deponed by me, …………………………………………….

Before ………………………………………………………………………..
Commissioner for Oaths.

25
FORM VIA (r. 31(a))

THE CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES ACT

DEDUCTION AUTHORIZATION FORM

TO: ………………………………
………………………………
……………………………… (Employer)
Date ……………….
DEDUCTIONS FROM MY SALARY/PROCEEDS

I …………………………… I/D NO. ……………… P/NO. …………….

Of P.O. Box ……………………………………… hereby authorize you to make deductions

from my salary/proceeds of Kshs…………. to be remitted to ………………… ………….. Co-

operative Society Ltd. to be credited towards my shares account. From time to time the said
society may advise you on any other deductions. The society’s instructions shall be taken as if
they given under my hand. These instructions shall remain in force unless altered by me in
concurrence with the said society.

Given under my hand this ………………………… day of ……………… 20 …………

Name I/D No. Signature

Cc: Chairman
………………………… Co-operative Society Ltd.
P.O. Box ……………….
………………………….

26
FORM VIB (r. 31(b))

THE CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES ACT

REMITTANCE RETURNS

TO: The Commissioner for of Co-operative Development

P.O. Box 40811
Nairobi.

1. Name of the Co-operative Society ………………………………..…...

2. Registration Number …………………………………………….…….
3. Type of Society ………………………………………………………..
4. Province/District……………………………………………………….
5. Name of Employer …………………………………………………….
6. Last payroll deduction remitted ….……………………... (month & year)
7. Number of months in arrears…………………………………………..
8. Amount expected for current payroll deduction Kshs.……………….…
9. Amount remitted as per (8) above Kshs. ……………………………….
10. Shortage Excess (8-9) Kshs. ……………………………………………
11. Amount out-standing with employer (cumulative) Kshs. …………..

Dated …………………………… Signed ……………………………..

Chairman/Manager

27
 FORM VII (r. 32 (4))

THE CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES ACT

NOMINATION FORM

TO: The Chairman,

…………………………….. Co-operative Society Ltd.
P.O. Box ……………..
………………………..

I ………………………………….. I/D No. ………………….., of Post office Box

………………………………………………………………………. member of
………………………………………… Co-operative Society Ltd; being member No………….
hereby nominate the following nominee(s) to inherit my shares or interest in the said Society in
the following manner: -

Name of Nominee(s) Relationship % of Share/Interest

1.
2.
3.
4.

Witnessed by:-
1. ………………………….…………. I/D No………………M/No. ………… Address
…………………… Signature ……………………………..
2. …………………………………….. I/D No……………… M/No. ………… Address
…………………… Signature ……………………………..
Given under my hand this …………………………day of …………….……. 20……

Signature…………………………………………………..

28
FORM VIII (r.34(2))

THE CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES ACT

NOTIFICATION OF LIMITATION OF BORROWING POWERS

TO: The Commissioner for Co-operative Development

P.O. Box 30547
Nairobi.

Name of the Co-operative Society ………………………………………...

Registration Number ……………………………………………………...
This is to inform you that at a duly convened annual general meeting of the above society held
on the ………………………. day of ………………….….20……… the following resolution
was passed:-

“That the maximum liability which the society may incur in loans or deposits from non members
shall be shillings (in words) ………………..
On the date of the annual general meeting members the society had …………. Fully paid
members and there were ……………. members present at the meeting of whom ………….
voted in favour of the resolution and …….. against.

I hereby certify that the particulars contained above are correct.

Signed ……………………
Secretary/Manager

Date ……………………………………………

29
FORM IX (r. 40)

THE CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES ACT

PARTICULARS OF CHARGE CREATED BY A CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY

TO: The Commissioner for of Co-operative Development

P.O. Box 30547
Nairobi.

Name of the Co-operative Society ………………………………………...

Registration Number ……………………………………………………...
Date and description of the instrument creating or evidencing the mortgage or charge
…………………………………………………………………….
Amount secured by the mortgage or charge Kshs. ………………………….
Short particulars of the property mortgaged or charged:-
………………………………………………………………………………...……………………
………………………………………………………...
Land Registry particulars:-
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………
Name, addresses and description of the mortgages or persons entitled to the charge:-
…………………………………………………………………………….………………………
…………………………………………………….………………………………………………
…………………………………….

Dated this …………………………. day of ……………………20………..

………………………..

Secretary/Manager

30
FORM XA (r. 41)

THE CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES ACT

REGISTER OF CHARGES

Name of the Co-operative Society ………………………………………...

Registration Number ……………………………………………………...
Date of charge …………………………………………………………….
Date of acquisition of property ……………………………………………
Amount secured by charge ………………………………………………..
Particulars of properties charged ………………………………………….
Person entitled to charge ……………………………………………….….
Date of resolution authorizing issue of series debentures: ………………..
……………………………………………………………………………..
Date of covering deed ……………………………………………………..

Names of trustees of debenture holders: …………………………………..

……………………………………………………………………………...

Date of registration ……………………… Signature…………………….

Memorandum of satisfaction ……………………………………………...
………………………………………………………………………………

Date of discharge ………………………………………………………….

Dated this …………………… day of ……………………… 20…………

……………………………………
Commissioner

31
FORM XB (r. 41)

THE CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES ACT

CHRONOLOGICAL INDEX OF CHARGES

Serial No …………………………………………………………………..
Register of Charges folio No. ……………………………………………..
Date charged ………………………………………………………………
Amount of charge …………………………………………………………
Particulars of charge ………………………………………………………
Person entitled to charge …………………………………………………..
Name of society creating the charge ………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………..
Date of registration ………………………………………………………..
Remarks
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………..

32
FORM XI (r. 42)

THE CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES ACT

CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION OF A CHARGE

TO: ---------------------------------------
----------------------------------
-------------------------------

Name of the Co-operative Society ………………………………………...

Registration Number ……………………………………………………...
Date and description of the instrument creating or evidencing the mortgage or charge
…………………………………………………………………….
Amount secured by the mortgage or charge Kshs. ………………………….
Short particulars of the property mortgaged or charged:-
………………………………………………………………………………...……………………
………………………………………………………...
Land Registry particulars:-
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………
Name, addresses and description of the mortgages or persons entitled to the charge:-
…………………………………………………………………………….………………………
…………………………………………………….………………………………………………
…………………………………….

Dated this …………………………. day of ……………………20………..

………………………………………..
Commissioner for Co-operative Development

33
FORM XII (r. 43)

THE CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES ACT

CERTIFICATE OF SATISFACTION OF CHARGES

TO: The Secretary

……………………………. . Co-operative Society Ltd.
P.O. Box ……………………
………………………………

Name of the Co-operative Society …………………………………………...

Registration Number ………………………….……………………………...
Date and description of the instrument creating or evidencing the mortgage or charge
……………………………………………………………………..
Amount secured by the mortgage or charge Kshs. …………………………..
Short particulars of the property mortgaged or charged:-
…………………………………………………………………….………………………………
…………………………………………………………..
Land Registry particulars:-
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………...
Name, addresses and description of the mortgages or persons entitled to the charge:-
…………………………………………………………………………….………………………
…………………………………………………….………………………………………………
……………………………..

Date of Discharge …………………………………………………………

Dated this …………………………. day of ……………………20………

..…….……………………………………
Commissioner for Co-operative Development

Dated the 1st November, 2004.

P. N. NDWIGA,
Minister for Co-operative
Development and Marketing.

34