Attorney General Dorcas Oduor has appointed Teresia Wanjiku
to serve as the new registrar of societies in Kenya.
The appointment was done via a gazette notice dated April 4,
2025.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 8 of the
Societies Act, the Attorney-General appoints Teresia Wanjiku Gathagu to be the
Registrar of Societies,” the gazette reads.
Wanjiku has previously served as Chief State Counsel, Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning.
The Registrar of Societies is an office under the office of
the Attorney General that deals with the registration of all types of
societies.
He or she is also responsible
for registration of society, confirmation of registered officials (where
there are no disputes), registration of books and registration of newspapers and
magazines.
They are responsible for ensuring that these organisations
comply with the Societies Act (Cap 108) and other relevant laws.
The registrar also handles applications
for amendment of the constitution of a society, applications for change of name
of a society, change of officers or titles of office and confirmation of the status of society for issuance of license/marriage book to church
ministers (where there is no dispute), among others.
Charitable organisations like children’s homes, orphanages,
education foundations, scientific research foundations, alumni associations,
cultural associations and recreational clubs also fall under the Societies Act.
The Registrar can grant exemptions from some requirements
for certain types of societies, such as religious organisations, based on the
Attorney General’s recommendations.