Register a trade union or employers' organisation
State Department for Labour and Skills Development - Registrar of Trade Unions · sources read 3 Oct 2026
First, two promoters apply to the Registrar of Trade Unions for a certificate to promote the union; the Registrar issues it within 30 days. Then, within six months, apply to register, with a compliant constitution, a Kenyan office and postal address, and a decision made at a meeting of at least 50 members.
- Fee
- We couldn't confirm a fee from the official page. Check it there before you pay.
- How long
- About six months
- Deadline
- Apply for registration within six months of getting the promotion certificate.
- Where
- Registrar of Trade Unions, 15th Floor, Block A, NSSF Building (Social Security House), Bishops Road, Upper Hill, Nairobi
What you need
- Application for a promotion certificate signed by two promoters, giving the proposed name
- A constitution that meets the Labour Relations Act, 2007 (including the First Schedule)
- An office and postal address in Kenya
- Proof the decision to register was made at a meeting of at least 50 members
Steps
- Two promoters apply to the Registrar for a certificate to promote the union or employers' organisation, giving its proposed name.
- The Registrar issues the certificate within 30 days, unless the application is defective or the name is too close to an existing one. Only then can you recruit members.
- Within six months of the certificate, apply to register the union with your constitution, office details and the members' meeting decision.
- The Registrar publishes a notice in the Gazette and a national newspaper so existing unions with the same interests can object.
Watch out
- Don't recruit members before you get the Registrar's certificate. It's not allowed.
- Pick a name that is clearly different from existing unions, or the Registrar will ask you to change it.
- Registration can be refused if another registered union already represents most of the same workers.
Who can apply
- Any two people promoting a new trade union or employers' organisation.
- The union must be independent of any employer and exist only to do trade union work.
Official sources (1)
- Registration of Trade Unions labour.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026