How to Register a Welfare Group / Self-Help Group (SHG) in Kenya: Step-by-Step Guide

Welfare Groups, also known as Self-Help Groups (SHGs), play a vital role in Kenya by empowering communities through collective savings, welfare support, and small-scale projects. If your group is planning to formalize your activities, registering as a welfare group is a great way to start.

This guide walks you through the requirements, procedures, costs, and post-registration actions necessary to register a welfare group in Kenya in 2025.

✅ What is a Welfare Group / Self-Help Group (SHG)?

A Self-Help Group (SHG) is a legally recognized community-based group registered under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, primarily to promote mutual support, savings, and welfare activities. These groups operate informally but gain legal recognition through registration, enabling them to open bank accounts, seek local government support, and apply for funds or grants.

📋 Requirements for Registering a Self-Help Group in Kenya

To register a welfare group, here’s what you’ll need:

1. Membership

• Minimum of 10 members, maximum typically around 100
• All members must be Kenyan citizens aged 18+
• Collect details:
  • Full Name (as per ID)
  • National ID Number
  • Phone Number
  • Signature

2. Group Name

• Submit 3 proposed names for approval during the name search.
• Ensure names are:
  • Unique and not similar to existing registered groups
  • Non-political or offensive

3. Group Constitution

You must submit a constitution outlining:

• Group Objectives
• Membership admission and exit rules
• Leadership structure and duties
• Meetings and decision-making process
• Conflict resolution
• Financial management
• Amendment and dissolution clauses

📝 Tip: Use a standard constitution template available at Social Services offices or request a tailored version from professionals.

4. Elected Officials

At a minimum, elect the following:

• Chairperson
• Secretary
• Treasurer

Optional roles may include:

• Vice Chairperson
• Organizing Secretary
• Trustees

5. Minutes of the Inaugural Meeting

Prepare and sign minutes of the meeting that:

• Approved the group’s formation
• Elected officials
• Adopted the constitution

6. Group’s Physical Address

• Provide the physical location of operation (village, ward, constituency, and county)
• If possible, include a postal address and email

📝 Registration Process (Step-by-Step)

✅ Step 1: Name Search and Reservation

• Visit the Sub-County Social Development Office
• Submit 3 proposed names
• Name approval takes 2–5 working days

✅ Step 2: Document Preparation

Submit:

• Name approval confirmation
• Signed group constitution
• Member list with ID numbers and contacts
• Elected officials list
• Minutes of the formation meeting

✅ Step 3: Pay Registration Fees

• Varies by county but usually between KES 1,000–2,000
• Payment is made at the Social Development Office

✅ Step 4: Certificate of Registration

• Once approved, you will receive a Certificate of Registration.
• This gives your group legal status to operate and open a bank account.

🏦 After Registration: What Next?

✅ Open a Bank Account

• Visit a cooperative or commercial bank with:
  • Group registration certificate
  • Copy of constitution
  • Minutes authorizing account opening
  • Officials' ID copies

✅ Begin Group Activities

• Start table banking, merry-go-rounds, welfare contributions
• Maintain meeting minutes, member registers, and financial records

✅ Keep the Group Active

• Hold regular meetings
• Renew certificate if required (some counties request annual returns)
• Apply for government or county support programs (e.g. Uwezo Fund, Women Enterprise Fund)

⚠️ Important Notes

🤝 Benefits of Registering a Welfare Group

• Legal recognition by government
• Ability to open group bank accounts
• Eligible for local and donor funding
• Better governance and accountability
• Platform for future scaling into a SACCO

📦 Free Resources

Need help drafting your group documents?

✅ Download templates here:

• Self-Help Group Constitution Template (PDF)
• Member List Excel Sheet
• Sample Inaugural Meeting Minutes

💬 Need Help?

Nestict can assist with:

• Constitution drafting
• Online form assistance
• Name reservation support
• Document templates

📩 Contact us via support.nestict.com or start a live chat.

📌 Final Thoughts

If your group of 10 or more people in Kenya is ready to make an impact through mutual support, savings, and welfare, registering as a Welfare Group or SHG is your best first step. It’s affordable, legally recognized, and sets the foundation for future growth — even into a SACCO.