GROUP CONSTITUION

1. Name of the group……

Name of the group shall be MWIENDERI JIINUE SELF-HELP GROUP.
2. Purpose of the group:
The group was formed in the year 2017 with the following main purpose.
i) Economic development and empowerment of its members.
ii) Welfare activities to its members.
iii) To empower members through merry-go round, table banking and savings.
iv) Any other activity and opportunity that may arise to strengthen the economic
development.
3. The group location- The group is located in Mugamba -Ciura sub Location, Murinduko
Ward, Mwea East Sub-County, Kirinyaga County.
4. The group broad objectives:
I. Social Development
II. Economic development and empowerment.
III. Improve livelihood and living standards.
5. Specific objectives
I. To promote economic development and empowerment of its members.
II. To promote member’s savings culture through merry-go-round and table banking.
III. To promote social welfare to its members.
IV. Creating awareness to the members and community of the opportunity that may ais at
any time.
V. Preaching peace, love, unity and harmony.
VI. Involving members in the community and national development programs.
VII. Embracing any opportunity leading to the growth of its members.
VIII. Guidance and counselling to member on matters such as pandemics, family issues,
national policies and programs etc.
6. Core values of the group:
I. CONFIDENTIALITY
Every member has the responsibility to refrain from disclosing confidential information acquired
during group meetings unless legally obliged to and also refrain from using this information
unethically or for illegal advantage either personally or through other means.
II. INTEGRITY
Every member has the responsibility to avoid actual or apparent conflict of interest, to refrain
from engaging I any activity that would prejudice the ability to carry out their duties ethically.
Refuse gifts or favors that would interfere with their actions. Refrain from engaging in any
activity that would discredit one as a good member of the group.
III. OBJECTIVITY
Every member has a responsibility to communicate information fairly and objectively. Disclose
full all the relevant information that could reasonably be expected to influence members
understanding of the group activity, comment and recommendation presented.
IV. ACCOUNTABILITY
Every member of the group is held accountable to each duty and responsibility assigned to him
or her and incase of failure, he or she is liable to the rules and regulations of being against the
by-laws.
V. OBIDIENCE
Every member of the group is bound to obey the laid rules and regulations and no one is supreme
than the by-laws (Ignorance is no defense). Any member who goes against the constitution, fines
and penalties will follow and furthermore, may lead to expulsion of a member.
VI. PUNCTUALITY
Every member should keep time on reporting to group meetings and be in the meeting till
scheduled time for departure.
VII. LANGUAGE
Every member is obliged to speak his or her ethnic and national language deemed fit to address
issues. Vulgar and abusive languages are highly prohibited, failure to do so leads to fines and
penalties and suspension to group meetings.
VIII. DRESS CODE
Every member should observe dress code and wear best attire to the occasion. Any dress
code that portrays nakedness would lead to suspension, fines and penalties would also
follow.
IX. TRUTHFULNESS
Every member must possess the ability to speak the truth in matters relating to the group as
well as personal to the benefit arising to members and group, failure to do fines and
penalties, suspension and expulsion may follow.

ARTICLE 7: GROUP ACTIVITIES

The group engages in the following activities;
a) Merry go round
Every member contributes ksh 400 and this amount is submitted to the member who won
the ballot in the meeting (currently we have 17 members @ 400sh=(6800). The 400 sh is
subject to increase in respect to cost of living index on agreement by members.
b) Table bankjng
Each members contributes ksh 200 and above each month.
ARTICLE 8: MEMBERSHIP
For one to be a member of the group, he/she must meet the following qualifications:
I. Must be a Kenyan citizen
II. Must be within the boundaries limited and highlighted
III. Must be 18 years and above.
IV. Dependant of a member below 35 years of age and not married.
V. Must be of sound mind.
VI. Must be a resident (permanent home in Mugamba-ciura sublocation.
VII. Contribution of registration fees(Currently 3000) subject to increase with
goodwill.
VIII. Must be a shareholder.
IX. Contribution of ksh 500 for reinstatement of membership
Rights of a member
I. right to speak and expression during the meeting.
II. Right to vote(one member one vote).
III. Right to attend meetings as scheduled.
IV. Right to group activities and information.
V. Right to compensation
VI. Right to organization records.
VII. Right to constitution by-laws at a cost of production.
Responsibilities of members of the group
I. To contribute towards merry-go-round.
II. To attend the group meetings.
III. To understand the group constitution by law.
IV. To protect the group assets.
Cessation of membership
One ceases to be a member in the following ways:
I. Through writing to be a chairperson of the group. This is discussed by the
committee of the group and recommendation is used to the members followed by
annunciation and notification to members.
II. He or she ceased to be a Kenyan citizen or both.
III. Incase unsound mind
IV. Failure to abide by the constitution by-laws.
Penalties and fines of the group’s merry-go-round
I. If one fails to attend group meetings twice consecutively a fine of Ksh. 200/= is
imposed.
II. If one fails to contribute to go around, a fine of ss 50 is imposed in addition to the
regular contribution.
III. If a member is late for the group (i.e after 12.00pm), a fine of Ksh 50 is imposed.
IV. Any observed unethical behavior by a member e.g. Drunkard Ness, a fine of shs
100 is imposed.
V. Absenteeism to the group for more than 3 months, a fine of shs 200 imposed.
VI. Failure to contribute for 3 times your regular contribution will not be accepted
henceforth, and the members will be expelled from the group.
7. OFFICE BEARERS
a) MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS
i) Must be an adult Kenyan citizen
ii) Must be residing within the locality
iv) Members should be of sound mind
v) Must be of good character and mannerism.
v) Must adhere to the rules and regulations
b) Registration

Have to pay 300 and a goodwill amount as per the group’s financial status

c) Recruit of new members

In case of a new member, the clause (b) above applies
d) A member will be expelled from the group in case of;
i) Failure in contributions for 3 intervals
ii) Gross misconduct
iii) Causes disharmony amongst our members
iv) Absenteeism without apologies for more than three consecutive meetings
(e) Rights enjoyed by members
i) Every member has a right to benefit from the group
ii) Has a right to be promptly informed of the group’s progress
iii) Has a right to vote
iv) Has a right to opinion
v) Has a right to seek clarity in higher offices e.g DSD’OS office if the dispute is
question not properly addressed
(f)Reinstatement of a member
Any member who had left the group and wishes to join again shall be treated as a new member.
He /she will make contributions as a new member and any contributions that had arose during
his/her absence
(g)Cessation of membership
The membership termination may arise when:
i)Member dies
 ii)Voluntary withdrawal
A member is entitled to 70% of his/her contributions. Any outstanding fines, contributions shall
be deducted from the amount to be refunded.
iii)Expulsion
An expelled member will a refund of 40%from his/her total contribution. Any fines and unpaid
contributions shall be deducted from the amount to be refunded
(h)Members responsibility
i)Must be present during meetings
ii)Must adhere to groups constitution
iii)To give opinions which will strengthen the group
v)To elect new members
9.Displinary actions
-Fines
(a)Lateness to the meetings will attract a penalty of 50 shillings
(b)30 minutes after the meeting had started will lead to a penalty of 100sh and 2 hours after the
meeting has started will be deemed as a total failure
(c)Attending the meeting while drunk will lead to a penalty of 100sh
(d)Fighting amongst the members 200/=
(e)Use of abusive language will attract a penalty of 1000/=
(f)Noise making will lead to a of penalty of 20/=
(g)Phone disturbances -20/=
(h)Failure to contribute on time 100/=
(i)Committee leaking sensitive information-1000/=
(j)Failure to reimburse loan on time, double interest charged
(k)Total failure 500/=
10.Office bearers
The group shall consist of the following: a) chairperson
b) Vice secretary
c) Secretary
d) Vice Secretary
e) Treasurer
The group shall draw committees from localities as to where our members come from
ROLES OF THE OFFICE
a) Chairperson – i) Overall in charge of the group
ii) Controls the meeting
iii) Chairs the meeting
iv) Represents the group in other functions necessary
b) Secretary – i) Keeps all financial records
ii) Take the group minutes
iii) Custodian of the group documents
iv) Ensures effective flow of information within the group
v) Advices the chairperson on constitutional issues
v) Be a signatory of the group’s accounts
c) Vice Secretary – Preforms all duties of the secretary in case the secretary is absent or has
been requested to do so expect been account signatory
d) Treasurer – i) In charge of all financial records
ii) To be signatory of financial activities
iii) Keep all cash contributed
iv) Deposits and withdraws funds from the account mandated constitutionally
v) Gives financial status of the group
vi) Avails all accounting books for auditing
12. Finances
a) The group is financed by member’s contribution and the interests occurred from the loans
b) All group funds must be collected by the treasurer and deposited to the bank
c) The group shall be operating with the JIINUE SELF HELP GROUP and signatories are:
i) Chairperson
ii) The Secretary
iii) The treasurer
d) The deposit sub shall be in custody of the treasurer
e) For any withdrawal all members must sign a list against a minute showing the identity card
numbers, phone contacts and the same be forwarded to the area DSDO for verification before
any withdrawal is carried out.
f) When a member is sent on an errand, he/she shall be facilitated with transport and lunch
allowances amounting to 800(this will depend on the proximity of the area to be covered.
g) All groups bank statements, bank slips must be produced during financial status meeting.
h) All reports presented must contain a clear income and expenditure balances sheet.
DEFAULTERS
If a member fails to;
a) Contribute when an event arises
b) Fails to refund the loaned amount for clause. If a member fails to contribute, when
necessary, he/she shall pay double the contribution fee.
For clause (b) above, if a member fails to refund loaned to him/her by the group, the office
through the area chief in conjunction with in conjunction with the area DSDO shall assist the
group to institute legal proceedings against the defaulter.
NB: All costs incurred by the group official’s legal fees and all expenses shall be met by
the defaulter
AUDIT PROCEEDURES
All group members during an audit meeting must be presented with
i)A copy of bank statement
ii)Detailed balance sheet outlining income and expenditures
iii)All banking deposit slips must be made available.
In case of any query a member has to seek intervention of an independent auditor through the
area DSDO
13)Utilization of funds
a) The officials have no authority to use the groups funds without the express permission from
the members and all protocols should be observed.
b) there can arise eventuality where by the officials can use the cash at hand provided enough
evidence is produced
c)Loaning
Any member to apply for a lunch must do so during the meeting
d)Authorization of the group funds will range from, an allowance of 100 is given to the officials
or member who has been sent by the group on an errand
The group has a group pin hence they partake annual returns the KRA offices
14.) Record keeping
a) All group records
i)Registration certificate
ii)Pin member certificate
iii)Bank statement
 iv)financial status
v)office stationery, ruler’s pens pin chain staplers. All those documents must in custody
of the treasurer
b) All financial progress statements must be in availed darting group meeting and the group shall
be meeting monthly
c)Any official who mishandles the group’s documents shall lease to hold office pending
investigations as to whether his/her actions have led the group to incur a loss
In intern official shall be sought to fill the gap left by the gap left by the suspended
official
15.Meeting
JIINUE SELF- HELP GROUP
a) Jiinue self-help group shall be holding meeting when an event demanding member’s
contribution arises
b) Type of meeting
i)regular meeting
ii)Emergency meeting
iii)Administrative meeting
c)Any meeting attached by 2/3 of the members is fully recognized as full meeting
d)All meeting s must start with
i)Word of prayer
ii)Bible sharing
iii)Chairpersons report
iv)Matters arising from previous meeting
v)Agenda of the day
vi)Any other business
vii)Closing prayers
e) The group shall strictly adhere to the set of timeframes for each business as outlined in the
meeting minutes
f) only accounts statements shall be represented at annual general meeting
15) ELECTIONS
a) The group shall be adapting a secret ballot- show of hands mode during their elections. The
group shall be passing their resolutions by show of hands.
b) 2/3 of the registered members must be present to constitute a quorum.
c) Members shall be notified six months prior to elections.
d) An elected official will be declared so by gathering a simple majority of the votes cast.
DISCIPLINE MASTER / MISTRESS
I. Roll calls during meetings
II. Collecting fines for various offences and submits to the same treasurer.
III. Handling discipline cases and make sure all issues pertaining the group is adhered to.

TENURE OF OFFICE BEARERS

a) Term of office
The elected office will occupy the office for a period of two terms ie. Each term consists
of maximum of three years
b) Removal of office
Any official can be removed from the office in case of :
I. Absconding his/her duties
II. Misappropriates the group funds
III. Insubordination
IV. Becomes Mentally Incapacitated
V. Tenders a resignation notice.
VI. Creates a vacuum in his/her responsibility
VII. Is convicted of a criminal offence in the court of law and jailed
VIII. Any expelled official shall be temporarily suspended from the group while
investigations is being conducted to verify whether his/her actions led the
group to incur losses and if affirmative the losses incurred shall be at the
liability of the expelled official.
The remaining officials will call an emergency meeting and have an election to replace the
suspended official.
16) DISPUTE RESOLUTION
a) In case there is a dispute among the group members then a member has an obligation
to approach a committee member so that there can be harmony.
b) In case a dispute which has involvement of an official then committee members are
objected to have a special sitting and settle the dispute.
c) In case the dispute is severe then the involvement of area assistant chief or chief is
sought involving too the area DSDO/CDA

17) AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION

I. The groups constitution can be amended at the annual general meeting for an
yearly basis.
II. There can even arise a case like government intervention to warrant an abrupt
amendment of the constitution
III. For constitutional amendment ¾ of the registered members must be present.
18) INDEMNITY
The group officials are protected from any liabilities of the action that was done in good faith
and was constitutionally authorized. However, any action done by the office bearer outside the
confines of the constitution the office bears the liability occasioned.
19) DISSOLUTION
A. The group shall be dissolved in an AGM or a special meeting whereby 75% of the
registered members must be present. If the quorum fails, then the status quo
reminds i.e if the group doesn’t meet its objectives.
B. Members shall be notified before having the dissolution meeting
C. The group will share its assets and liabilities equally.
D. The groups minority will take over if the minority don’t take over the
deregistration form is filled and forwarded to the area DSDO for the
deregistration.

COMMITMENT CLAUSE
All members must sign against their names, identity card numbers and contacts as a means of
adopting and committing themselves to the provisions of this constitution.

NO NAME DATE CONTACT SIGN

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MINUTES FOR MWIENDERI JIINUESELF HELP GROUP
The meeting started with a word of prayer conducted by Joseph kimani.
AGENDAS
I. Introduction
II. Registration
III. Naming the group
IV. A.O.B
V. Closing the meeting
INTRODUCTION
The chairperson introduced our visitor who had to come to train us about registration. She even briefs
him about the group.
REGISTRATION
The group was trained about registration which was conducted by a sub-county social development
officer Mr. Mwangi. After finalizing he issued a pre-post registration training certificate.
NAMING OF THE GROUP
The group discussed of the group name and by the assistance of sub-county officer agreed to name it
as MWIENDERI JIINUE SELF HELP GROUP.
A.O.B
Members agreed and gave officials go ahead on getting a group certificate
CLOSING THE MEETING
The meeting was closed by a word of prayer by Mary Wambui.