How to Register a Welfare Society in Kenya (2025 Step-by-Step Guide)

Registering a Welfare Society in Kenya gives your group legal recognition under the Societies Act (Cap 108). This process is done entirely online via the eCitizen Societies Portal and ensures your society is recognized as a non-profit, non-political organization.

The registration costs KSh 5,250 and takes up to 120 days for approval, provided all requirements are met. Below is a comprehensive 2025 guide to help you through the process.

1. Prepare Names & Objectives

Before starting your application:

• Submit up to 3 preferred names, listed in order of priority.
• Each name must end with the word “Welfare.”
• Abbreviations and numbers are not allowed.
• Some words like Africa, International, Worldwide, Global, or Professional body are restricted — if used, you must provide a letter of no objection from the relevant authority.
• If you use a vernacular name, upload a letter explaining its meaning.
• For community-based associations (e.g., forest or water user groups), get a no-objection letter from the regulator.
• For residential associations, obtain an introduction letter from your area chief/assistant chief.
• For personal-name foundations, get a no-objection letter.

Objectives

You will need 3–5 short objectives (max 150 characters each). These demonstrate the purpose of your society and are used to validate the suitability of your chosen name.

Examples of Welfare Society Objectives:

• To provide support to members during bereavement and emergencies.
• To promote savings and welfare programs among members.
• To empower the community through education and skills training.

2. Start the Application on eCitizen

1. Visit the eCitizen Societies Portal.
2. Click Name Search and Registration.
3. Select Welfare as the type of society.
4. (Optional) Enable Auto Fill to automatically append “Welfare” to your chosen names.

3. Enter Applicant Details

• Select your role (Chairperson, Secretary, or Advocate).
• If applying as an advocate, you must upload:
  • Practicing Certificate
  • LSK Number
  • Client instruction letter
• Provide your postal address and code.

4. Input Names & Objectives

• Enter your 3 proposed names in order of preference.
• Confirm that your society will be non-political and non-profit-making.
• Indicate whether your society will establish branches.
• Add your 3–5 objectives.

5. Provide Registered Office

You must provide details of your society’s registered office:

• County and Sub-County
• Street name, plot/house number
• Postal address and postal code
• (Optional) Title deed reference number (if the premises are owned).

6. Add Office Bearers

Every society must have at least three key officials:

• Chairperson
• Secretary
• Treasurer

For each official, you must provide:

• Full name and ID/Passport number
• Phone number and email address
• Postal address
• Passport photo (JPG, max 300KB)
• Signature (JPG, max 300KB)

Optional positions: Vice Chairperson, Assistant Secretary, Assistant Treasurer.

For foreign officials: upload a valid work permit and passport biodata page.

7. Membership & Funds

• State your membership size (e.g., 10–25 members).
• Define membership classes (e.g., “Class 1: Adults above 18”).
• Specify your entrance fee and monthly subscription (in KSh).
• Indicate up to 3 funding sources (e.g., donations, member contributions, fundraising).

8. Upload Required Documents

Prepare the following documents for upload (PDF or JPG format):

• Member list (names, ID numbers, phone numbers).
• Passport photos & signatures of all office bearers.
• Letters of no objection, if required.
• Vernacular explanation letter (if applicable).
• Other supporting documents (max 2MB each).

9. Submit & Pay

• Review your application and check the compliance declaration.
• Save a draft if you want to make changes later.
• Submit the application.
• Pay KSh 5,250 via M-Pesa or PesaLink.

10. Track Progress & Get Your Certificate

• Monitor your application on the eCitizen dashboard.
• Once approved, download your Certificate of Registration.
  • The certificate is available for 30 days only.
  • After 30 days, you must apply for a certified copy.

Key Tips for a Smooth Application

• Use the ID lookup feature when adding members to reduce errors.
• Ensure documents are in the correct format and size (JPG/PDF, under 2MB).
• If your application is rejected (e.g., unsuitable names), revise and resubmit.
• Keep digital and physical copies of all submitted documents.

Wind up

Registering a Welfare Society in Kenya is an important step toward formalizing your community initiatives. With the right preparation — including proper names, objectives, member details, and supporting documents — you can complete the process smoothly.

Remember:

• All societies must be non-political and non-profit.
• The process takes up to 120 days.
• Your certificate must be downloaded within 30 days of approval.

For official applications, visit the eCitizen Societies Portal.