Department of Cooperatives and Friendly Societies

The Department has the responsibility for administering the Co-operative Societies Act; the Friendly Societies Act; the Industrial and Provident Act;  the Agricultural Loan Societies and Approved Organizations and their respective Regulations and is designated Charities Authority under the Charities Act 2013. Its objectives are to facilitate the establishment of Registered Charitable Organizations; Co-operative Societies; Societies registered under the Friendly Societies Act; Industrial and Provident Societies; Agricultural Loan Societies and Approved Organization and to supervise their operations.

The Department’s mandate under the Jurisdiction of the Acts and Regulations is focused primarily at ensuring the safety of these organization’s assets, the protection of Members' savings and investments and the protection of other stakeholders interests.  Its functions include:-

• Regulatory Compliance
• Registration of Societies and their Rules
• Registration of Agricultural Loan Society and Approved Organizations
• Approval of Charitable Status
• Approval and Certification of amended Rules
• Financial  Audits and Investigations
• Operational Audits
• Suspension of Registration
• Amalgamation and Transfer of Engagement of Societies.
• Cancellation of Registration
• Facilitation of Inquiries and the Settlement of Disputes through Arbitration
• Liquidation
• Institutional Strengthening and Development of Groups and Societies to become viable enterprises 
• Education and Training of members, Volunteers and employees of Groups and Societies to upgrade their skills and enhance performance in the operation of the Societies.