Self-Help Groups in Kenya

Are you looking to successfully form a self-help group in Kenya? It's important to understand the rules, types of groups you can create, and how to draft a constitution for your group.

This guide will help you navigate the requirements and benefits of registering a self-help group in Kenya. Share this with your group members and anyone else interested in starting or improving their own group.

What is a Self-Help Group?

A Self-Help Group (SHG) is formed by individuals from similar social and economic backgrounds who come together to improve their livelihoods. These groups help members gain skills, acquire community assets like schools or health facilities, and create income-generating opportunities. SHGs can engage in activities such as grocery sales, weaving, tailoring, running retail shops, and farming projects like poultry and dairy farming.

Common Characteristics of Self-Help Groups in Kenya

• Voluntary and Free Membership: Anyone can join at no cost.
• Income Generation: Members engage in economic activities and can receive loans from the group.
• Shared Goals: The group’s goals are aligned with members' needs and are mutually agreed upon.
• Democratic Leadership: Group leaders, such as the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer, are regularly elected by the members.
• Member Contributions: Members contribute resources and actively participate in the group’s activities.

Types of Self-Help Groups You Can Register in Kenya

Members of SHGs typically come from similar social and economic backgrounds. The group should share a common mission, vision, and objectives to ensure success. In Kenya, you can register the following types of self-help groups:

• Youth groups
• Women groups
• Men’s groups
• Mixed groups (both men and women)
• Groups for Persons with Disabilities
• Older persons’ groups
• Community Project Groups
• Integrated Refugee Groups

Why Should You Register a Self-Help Group?

Registering your SHG offers several benefits:

• Legal status to operate in Kenya
• Ability to own property on behalf of members
• Meeting bank requirements to open an account in the group’s name
• Access to credit services such as loans
• Financial decision-making authority within the group

Requirements for Registering a Self-Help Group in Kenya

To register a group with the government of Kenya, you must meet the following conditions:

1. Minimum of 10 members (18 years and above), actively participating in group activities.
2. Common Purpose: Members should share a common reason for forming the group.
3. Pre-Registration Training: All members must attend a training session at the Sub-County level Social Development Office.
4. Group Constitution: Prepare a constitution outlining the group’s name, mission, objectives, and operational guidelines.
5. Elected Officials: Hold elections for key group positions.
6. Meeting Minutes: Provide minutes from the meeting where members agreed to register the group.
7. Member List: A signed list of members, including names, ID numbers, and signatures.
8. Group Registration Fee: Pay KES 1,000/- at the registration office.

For integrated refugee groups, additional documents are required:

• Training report from the Directorate of Social Development.
• Verification report from the Department of Refugee Services (DRS).

Guide to Writing a Constitution for a Self-Help Group in Kenya

Your group’s constitution should include:

1. Group Name and Contact Details
2. Objectives: Clearly state the group’s goals.
3. Membership: Outline membership requirements, resignation, rejoining, and next of kin information.
4. Officials: List group officials and their roles.
5. Functions of Officials: Detail the responsibilities of each official.
6. Tenure of Officials: Specify the term lengths for officials.
7. Finances: Describe the group’s sources, management, and utilization of funds.
8. Meetings: Define meeting types and attendance requirements.
9. Elections: Outline how elections will be conducted.
10. Record Keeping: Indicate what records will be kept and how they will be managed.
11. Discipline: List the group’s rules and disciplinary actions for violations.
12. Constitution Amendments: Describe the process for amending the constitution.
13. Audit: Specify the audit procedures for group activities and finances.
14. Dispute Resolution: Detail the methods for resolving disputes and appoint a mediator.
15. Group Dissolution: Define the procedures for dissolving the group and handling its assets and liabilities.
16. Constitution Adoption: State the process for adopting the constitution.

Office Locations and Contacts

For assistance in registering a self-help group, contact the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection at:

• Location: Social Security House (NSSF), Bishops Road, Nairobi
• Phone: +254 2729800
• Email: ps@socialprotection.go.ke, info@socialprotection.go.ke
• Website: www.socialprotection.go.ke

For integrated refugee groups, support is available from the following agencies:

Kakuma

• Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)
  Location: NRC Compound
  Phone: 0703503744 / 088721788

Nairobi

• International Rescue Committee (IRC)
  Locations: Pangani, Kawangware, and Rongai
• Danish Refugee Council (DRC)
  Location: PCEA Rev. Kareri, Eastleigh Field Office
• HIAS Kenya
  Location: Mimosa, Mbaruk Road, Off Muchai Drive
• Refuge Point
  Location: Titan Complex, 2nd Floor, Chaka Road, Hurlingham