Certified Public Secretary License Requirements in Kenya, Licencing Body & Contacts
Executive Summary
- All certified public secretaries practicing in Kenya must be registered with the Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya (ICPSK)
- Registration is governed by the Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya Act, 2022
- Requirements include passing KASNEB CPS examinations and meeting professional experience criteria
- Application fee: KES 15,000 for full membership
- Annual subscription fees vary by membership category
- Practicing members require additional experience and higher fees
- Foreign-qualified secretaries can apply for membership subject to equivalency
- ICPSK located at CPS Centre, Ruaraka Thika Road, Nairobi
- Contact: +254 20 2806873, +254 722 625342, +254 733 622119
- Online services available through ICPSK website and portal
The Regulatory Framework
The Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya was established under the Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya Act, 2022 to regulate the governance and secretarial profession in Kenya. ICPSK is the professional body responsible for developing, regulating, and promoting corporate governance and secretarial practice in Kenya.
According to the CPS Act, it is mandatory for corporate secretaries, governance professionals, and company secretaries to register with ICPSK to practice legally in Kenya. The Institute ensures members maintain high standards of professionalism, ethics, and competence.
About ICPSK
The Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya (ICPSK) is dedicated to the development and regulation of corporate governance and secretarial practice. ICPSK is a full member of the International Chartered Governance Institute (ICGI) and collaborates with regional and international professional bodies.
Functions of the Institute
- Regulate the CPS profession in Kenya
- Conduct or prescribe qualifying examinations
- Maintain the register of certified public secretaries
- Issue practice licenses to qualified members
- Promote continuing professional development
- Set and enforce professional standards and ethics
- Investigate complaints and conduct disciplinary proceedings
- Accredit training programs and institutions
- Advise government on governance and secretarial matters
License Requirements
Educational Requirements
Aspiring certified public secretaries must complete the CPS program administered by KASNEB (Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examinations Board). The CPS program consists of three levels:
- Part I: Foundation level
- Part II: Intermediate level
- Part III: Advanced level
Candidates must pass all three parts to qualify for ICPSK membership.
Experience Requirements
Different membership categories have varying experience requirements:
- Full Membership: Minimum 3 years relevant professional experience
- Associate Membership: Less than 3 years experience
- Practicing Membership: Additional 2 years experience in governance/secretarial practice
Application Requirements
- Completed application form
- All KASNEB result notifications/certificates
- Academic certificates (KCSE onwards)
- National ID or passport copy
- Curriculum Vitae
- Employment recommendation letters
- Two colored passport photos
- Payment of prescribed fees
Membership Categories and Fees
| Membership Category | Application Fee (KES) | Annual Subscription (KES) | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Member | 8,000 | 5,000 | CPS certification, < 3 years experience |
| Full Member (Non-Practicing) | 15,000 | 12,000 | CPS certification, 3+ years experience |
| Practicing Member | 20,000 | 25,000 | Full member + 2 years additional experience |
| Student Member | 2,000 | 2,000 | Currently pursuing CPS |
| Affiliate Member | 10,000 | 8,000 | Related qualifications |
Practicing Certificate
Certified public secretaries wishing to offer professional services to the public must obtain a practicing certificate from ICPSK.
Requirements for Practicing Certificate
- Must be a full member of ICPSK in good standing
- Minimum 2 years post-qualification experience in governance/secretarial practice
- Evidence of CPD compliance (minimum 40 hours annually)
- Professional indemnity insurance
- Letters of recommendation from two practicing members
- Clean disciplinary record
Practicing Certificate Fees
- Application Fee: KES 20,000
- Annual Renewal: KES 25,000
Foreign-Qualified Secretaries
Foreign-qualified governance professionals can apply for ICPSK membership subject to:
- Verification of qualifications with home regulatory body
- Demonstration of equivalency to CPS(K) standards
- Payment of foreign qualification assessment fees
- Completion of Kenya law and governance orientation (if required)
Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya Contact Information
Physical Address:
Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya (ICPSK)
CPS Centre, Ruaraka
Thika Road
Nairobi, Kenya
Postal Address:
P.O. Box 25542-00100
Nairobi, Kenya
Contact Details:
Phone: +254 20 2806873
Mobile: +254 722 625342, +254 733 622119
Email: icpsk@icpsk.or.ke
Website: www.icpsk.or.ke
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
