The Office of the Attorney General has issued a stern directive requiring all registered societies, including hundreds of Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (Saccos), to file their annual returns within the next 60 days or risk enforcement action.
In a public notice, the Registrar of Societies reminded organisations that filing annual returns is a legal obligation under the Societies Act (Cap 108) Laws of Kenya. The Registrar stressed that compliance is essential for accountability and transparency in the cooperative sector.
According to the directive, every registered society must submit annual returns, audited accounts, and other prescribed documents before the deadline.
The law requires these returns to be filed on or before the end of March each financial year. “All registered societies that have not filed their annual returns as required are hereby granted a grace period of sixty (60) days from the date of publication of this notice to comply,” the statement read.
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Saccos regulated by the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA) must submit their returns using a special form provided under their governing rules, which must be signed by at least three officials before submission.
The Attorney General noted that a majority of societies have failed to meet this obligation, prompting the issuance of the 60‑day ultimatum.
Failure to comply will trigger enforcement measures, including notices to show cause, suspension of registration, or outright cancellation of a society’s status.
The Registrar warned that deregistration would deny non‑compliant Saccos the legal recognition needed to operate, potentially locking out members from accessing loans and other financial services. Cooperative officers have urged Sacco leaders to act swiftly, noting that timely compliance will safeguard members’ savings and protect institutions from penalties.
The Attorney General has further appealed to welfare groups, clubs, community‑based organisations, and all registered associations to take immediate steps to comply with the law.
By Masaki Enock
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