The Registration of Certified Public Secretaries Board
(RCPSB) has a regulatory role over the profession. Persons who wish to register
as members are required to apply for CPS(K) status through the RCPSB which
deals with licensing of qualified CPS graduates. Those who desire to practice
are required to obtain a special license issued by RCPSB. The RCPSB is located
on Treasury Building, Nairobi on the 7th floor and the contacts contacts
can be found at the end of this page.
Persons who wish to register as members are required to
apply through the Registration of Certified Public Secretaries Board (RCPSB)
which deals with licensing of qualified CPS graduates. Those who desire to
practice are required to obtain a practising certificate issued by RCPSB, after
meeting the prerequisite requirements.
Membership Benefits
Certified Secretaries are trained to offer professional
services in the areas of: Governance, compliance, advisory, management,
administration, consultancy, corporate recovery, insolvency, among others.
Membership benefits and opportunities include:
1) Use
of the internationally recognized Certified Secretary “CS” designation.
2) Company
Secretaries in line with the requirements of the Companies Act No 17 of 2015
3) Secretaries
to the County Public Service Board in line with the provision of the County
Governments Act, 2012.
4) Secretaries
to the Boards of the Cities and Urban areas in line with the provision of the
County Governments Act, 2012.
5) Corporation
Secretaries in line with provisions of the Code of Governance for State
Corporations (Mwongozo).
6) Governance
Auditors of State Corporations in line with provisions of Mwongozo.
7) Governance
Auditors of issuers of Securities to the Public in line with provisions of the
Code of Governance for issuers of Securities to the Public.
8) Shares
Registrars.
9) Compliance
Advisors.
10) Governance
Advisors and Trainers.
11) Board
Evaluators.
12) Access
to cutting edge knowledge in their field of specialization through our
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programmes.
13) Discounts
on professional trainings offered by ICPSK
14) Serving
in Public and Private Institutions Boards.
15) Serving
in Committees of the Council.
16) Facilitating
Trainings and Consultancies on behalf of the Institute.
17) Access
to ICPSK Publications such as the Governance Journal and regular electronic
updates on current and conventional issues.
18) Access
to the ICPSK Medical Scheme.
19) Invest
and purchase office space in the CPS Governance Centre Office Complex
20) Inclusion
in our databank for job opportunities.
21) Access
to technical support on professional matters.
22) Opportunities
for participation in international programmes organized by Corporate
Secretaries International Association (CSIA) and interaction with the global
business community.
23) Access
to ICPSK library resources.
24) Membership
of the ICPSK Sacco Society Limited
25) Membership
of the ICPSK Benevolent Fund.
26) Opportunity for linkages with other members and professionals to enhance networking and contribute to national development.
Categories of members
Members of ICPSK are categorized into two board categories
of membership. These categories are:-
- Practicing
- Non
– practicing
A member can opt to take the status of a life member. Conditions are that he/ she should have been a member in good standing for 10 years and more. This status is open to practicing and non – practicing members.
Fees:
10 years membership - Kshs. 100,000
20 years and above - Kshs. 65,000
Non-Practicing Members
Mainly are employed by corporate bodies and other institutions. They are not allowed to file company returns as practicing members; however, they can do so only for their employers in their capacities as Company Secretaries.
Membership fee is currently Kshs. 12,500 per annum
Practicing Members
For one to become a practicing member, he/she must be licensed to do so.
Members are authorized to practice by the RCPSB upon application and payment of
appropriate fees.
Membership fees is Kshs. 15,000 per annum.
Registration Requirements
The qualifications for membership of the Institute are
prescribed under section 20 of the Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya Act,
Cap 534 and as amended through the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act,
2002. A person is qualified to be registered as a Certified Public Secretary if
the person:-
1. Has been awarded by the Examinations Board (KASNEB) a
certificate designated the final certificate of Certified Public Secretaries
Examinations;
2. Holds a qualification approved by the Registration of
Certified Public Secretaries Board (RCPSB);
3. Was on June 30, 2002 both a citizen of Kenya and a
member of the professional body known as The Institute of Chartered Secretaries
and Administrators.
4. Was on June 30, 2002 both ordinarily resident in
Kenya and a member of the professional body known as The Institute of Chartered
Secretaries and Administrators.
5. Was on November 1, 1989 registered as an Accountant under
section 24(1) of the Accountant Act; or
6. Was on 30 June 2002 an Advocate of the High Court of
Kenya.
RCPSB License Charges
Application fee for this is Kshs. 10,000 for Kenyans and
Ksh. 18,000 for Non-Kenyans.
Practising Licence
Practising licence is Kshs. 10,000 for Kenyans and Kshs.20,000/= for Non-Kenyans.
Application
for registration - RCPSB
Application
for grant of practicising certificate
Guidance
Notes For Application For Registration As A Certified Secretary
Guidance
Notes For Applications For Practising Certificate
RCPSB CONTACTS
Chief Executive & Secretary
Registration of Certified Public Secretaries Board
P. O. Box 58218-00200
Seventh Floor, Treasury Building
Harambee Avenue
NAIROBI
Tel: 020-2252299
Ext. 33087/33276 Nairobi. Kenya
Website: RCPSB