Self-help groups in Ruiru sub-county have been urged to make viable constitutions before asking to be registered.
Social development officer Mercy Kinoti said constitutions enable groups to grow with their members by abiding by the laws set by members themselves.
Kinoti said many groups seeking registration or even renewal of their certificates were forced to go back to make a constitution that incorporates all members.
“Different groups have been reporting people who have refused to pay their pledges and debts to the group on time,” the officer said.
“If the clause on servicing debts or even subscription fee is not in the constitution, then it becomes very difficult to convince the party to comply,” she said.
She advised the groups to keep updated records to ensure accountability and enhance accounting knowledge to the parties involved.
Kinoti added that those holding certificates from the defunct Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Development should take them back to her office for replacement. The cost of replacing the certificate is Sh1,000 and Sh500 for renewal.
She praised some of the groups which have complied with her directive and urged others to follow suit. She advised the groups to replace the certificates as they could be invalidated, making it hard for the groups to transact business.