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About Us

The institute

The Institute of Certified Secretaries (ICS) is a statutory professional membership organization, under the National Treasury and Economic Planning established by the Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya Act, Cap. 534 of the Laws of Kenya.

The core mandate of the Institute is to promote the practice of good governance in both the public and private sectors.

The Institute is governed by a Council comprising of eleven (11) members, out of whom, ten (10) are elected by members and one (1) appointed by the Cabinet Secretary in charge of Finance pursuant to the CPS Act. The Council is led by the Chairman who is also elected by members. The Council operates through Committees established to handle various Terms of Reference. Globally Certified Secretaries (CSs) have varying titles depending on the type of organization they are working for and the position they occupy in such organizations. Some of the titles applicable include Company Secretary, Corporate Secretary, Corporation Secretary, Board Secretary and Chartered Secretary. In Kenya, members of the Institute of Certified Secretaries are generally referred to as Certified Secretaries and the designatory letters “CS” are used before their names. The designation is protected at the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI). The Institute of Certified Secretaries is a member of the Certified Secretaries International Association (CSIA).

Our Vision

Leaders in good governance for a sustainable society

Our Mission

To develop and guide on sustainability and governance standards in organizations.

Our Values

Boldness

Excellence

Integrity

Collaboration

Agility

KEY FOCUS

The Institute of Certified Secretaries (ICS) is renowned in Kenya as the premier provider for Governance Sensitization, Training and Capacity Building for public, private and non for profit organisations. Among its key focus areas include:

  • Board Induction

  • Meetings

  • Board Papers

  • Minutes Writing

  • Governance Audit

  • Board Evaluation

  • Risk Governance,

  • Codes of Governance

  • Leadership & Communication

  • Corporate compliance and administration,

  • Strategic Planning and Business Advisory

    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    Anyone who has completed the KASNEB CS examinations or holds a qualification recognized by the RCPSB is eligible to apply for membership.

    To become a practising CS, you must be in good standing, complete two years of supervised practice, and register with the RCPSB.

    The annual membership fees are structured as follows:

    • Non-Practising: KES 12,500
    • Practising: KES 15,000
    • Senior/Retired: KES 5,000
    • Life Member: KES 100,000
    ICS membership offers a range of professional benefits, including the use of the CS designation, access to CPD programmes, training and development opportunities, Institute publications, a medical scheme, a job databank, networking opportunities, and eligibility to serve in leadership roles within the Institute.
    To become a Practising Member, you must maintain good standing with the Institute, complete two years of supervised practice, and register with the Registration of Certified Public Secretaries Board (RCPSB).
    The ICPSK Benevolent Fund is a welfare initiative that provides support to members, their spouses, and children, offering benefits such as medical assistance, last expense support, and education support.
    The Governance, Ethics & Mentorship Internship Programme (GEMIP) is an eight-month mentorship initiative designed for CS students and young professionals, aimed at building practical skills and professional capacity.
    A member maintains Good Standing by being fully paid-up, earning at least 20 CPD points annually (or 60 points over three years), and having no pending disciplinary cases.
    CPD points are earned through participation in ICS events, facilitation of programmes, writing articles, attending Annual General Meetings (AGMs), offering financial support, and undertaking training with ICS or other recognized institutions.
    Yes. Senior or retired members are either exempt or required to earn 10 CPD points annually. Members residing abroad are required to earn 10 CPD points, supported by appropriate documentation.
    This usually means your email is not registered or is incorrect. Please contact the Membership office to confirm your details. Also, this might mean that you have not activated your account yet, click on activate account to activate it.
    Please contact the Membership office at membership@ics.ke with your correct details. They will verify and request ICT to update the system accordingly.
    If the CPD requirement is not met contact the training department at training@ics.ke. If the requirement is arrears contact accounts@ics.ke. If it’s a technical error contact ict@ics.ke