Quote from Lawyer on July 10, 2025, 7:01 am

Succession disputes involving cooperative societies in Kenya are complex due to the interplay between cooperative law, succession law, and the unique governance structures of cooperatives. These disputes often arise when a member of a cooperative society passes away, and their shares, dividends, or other interests in the cooperative need to be distributed to their heirs or beneficiaries. The Co-operative Societies Act (Cap 490) provides the primary legal framework for managing such disputes, but challenges persist due to overlapping jurisdictions, unclear nomination processes, and conflicts between cooperative by-laws and succession laws. This article explores the legal framework, common challenges, and practical steps to resolve succession disputes involving cooperatives in Kenya, with reference to the Co-operative Societies Act (Cap 490) and relevant succession laws.

Understanding Cooperative Societies in Kenya

Cooperative societies in Kenya are governed by the Co-operative Societies Act (Cap 490), which regulates their formation, registration, management, and dissolution. These societies operate on principles of member participation, democratic control, and equitable profit distribution, as outlined in Section 4 of the Act. Cooperatives, such as savings and credit cooperative organizations (SACCOs), housing cooperatives, and agricultural cooperatives, hold significant assets, including members' shares, savings, and dividends, which become contentious in succession disputes. Section 39 of the Act specifically addresses the transfer of a deceased member's share or interest, making it a critical provision for resolving such disputes.

Succession disputes in cooperatives typically involve determining who is entitled to a deceased member's shares, dividends, or other benefits. These disputes may pit family members, nominated beneficiaries, or personal representatives against the cooperative society or each other. The resolution process is complicated by the intersection of the Co-operative Societies Act, the Law of Succession Act (Cap 160), and the cooperative's by-laws, which may impose additional requirements.

Legal Framework Governing Succession in Cooperatives

1. Co-operative Societies Act (Cap 490)

The Co-operative Societies Act provides specific provisions for handling a deceased member's interest:

• Section 39: Transfer of Share or Interest of Deceased Members
  This section stipulates that upon a member's death, their share or interest in the cooperative may be transferred to a nominated person or, in the absence of a nominee, to the member's legal personal representative. The transfer is subject to the cooperative's by-laws and must be approved by the cooperative's committee. If no nominee or personal representative is identified, the cooperative may transfer the share to the Public Trustee under the Public Trustee Act (Cap 168). This provision ensures that the cooperative's assets are distributed in an orderly manner, but disputes often arise when the nomination process is unclear or contested.

• Section 36: Member's Share Not Subject to Attachment
  This section protects a member's share from being attached for debts, ensuring that the share remains available for transfer to beneficiaries upon death. This protection can complicate succession disputes if creditors attempt to claim against the deceased's estate, including their cooperative shares.

• Section 38: Liability of Deceased Members
  The estate of a deceased member remains liable for any debts owed to the cooperative, which must be settled before the distribution of shares or dividends. This can reduce the value of the estate available to beneficiaries, leading to disputes.

• Section 76: Dispute Resolution
  Disputes concerning the business of a cooperative, including those related to succession, may be referred to the Co-operative Tribunal under Section 76 of the Act. The Tribunal has jurisdiction over claims by or against members, past members, or the estates of deceased members. However, disputes involving disciplinary actions or matters outside the cooperative's core business may fall under the High Court's jurisdiction, as clarified in Abeid Mwamburi v Sokoro Savings & Credit Co-Operative Society Limited [2021] eKLR.

2. Law of Succession Act (Cap 160)

The Law of Succession Act governs the distribution of a deceased person's estate, including their interests in cooperative societies. Key provisions include:

• Nomination vs. Succession
  A nomination made by a cooperative member for their shares or interest is akin to a testamentary disposition but does not override the Law of Succession Act. If a member dies intestate (without a will), the distribution of their estate, including cooperative shares, is governed by Part V of the Law of Succession Act, which outlines intestate succession rules based on family relationships.

• Personal Representatives
  The personal representative (executor or administrator) of the deceased's estate, appointed under the Law of Succession Act, has the authority to claim the deceased's cooperative shares or interest. This may conflict with a cooperative's nomination process if the nominee is not the same as the legal heir.

• Public Trustee
  If there is no nominee or personal representative, the cooperative may transfer the deceased's share to the Public Trustee, who administers the estate under the Public Trustee Act. This step can delay distribution and lead to disputes among potential beneficiaries.

3. Cooperative By-laws

Each cooperative society has by-laws that govern its operations, including the transfer of shares upon a member's death. These by-laws must comply with the Co-operative Societies Act but may impose additional requirements, such as specific nomination forms or procedures for transferring shares. Conflicts between by-laws and statutory provisions can create legal challenges, particularly if the by-laws are outdated or inconsistent with the Law of Succession Act.

Legal Challenges in Distributing Cooperative Shares or Assets

Several legal challenges complicate the resolution of succession disputes involving cooperatives:

1. Unclear or Missing Nominations
   Many cooperative members fail to nominate a beneficiary for their shares or interest, or the nomination process is poorly documented. This leads to disputes among family members or between the family and the cooperative over who is entitled to the shares. Section 39 of the Co-operative Societies Act requires clear nomination, but in practice, cooperatives may not enforce this requirement rigorously.

2. Conflicts Between Nominees and Legal Heirs
   A nominee designated by the deceased member may not be recognized as a beneficiary under the Law of Succession Act. For example, a member may nominate a friend or distant relative, but the spouse or children may claim the estate under intestate succession rules. This creates tension between the cooperative's obligation to honor the nomination and the legal heirs' rights under succession law.

3. Delays in Obtaining Letters of Administration
   To claim a deceased member's shares, the personal representative must obtain a grant of letters of administration or probate from the court. This process can be time-consuming, especially in contested estates, delaying the cooperative's ability to transfer shares and leading to disputes with impatient beneficiaries.

4. Jurisdictional Overlaps
   Disputes over cooperative shares may fall under the Co-operative Tribunal's jurisdiction if they concern the cooperative's business (Section 76, Cap 490). However, broader succession disputes involving the deceased's entire estate are handled by the High Court or magistrate courts under the Law of Succession Act. Determining the appropriate forum can be challenging, as seen in Abeid Mwamburi v Sokoro Savings & Credit Co-Operative Society Limited [2021] eKLR, where the court clarified that disciplinary matters fall outside the Tribunal's jurisdiction.

5. Liability of the Deceased's Estate
   Section 38 of the Co-operative Societies Act holds the deceased member's estate liable for debts owed to the cooperative. If the estate's value is reduced by such liabilities, beneficiaries may dispute the cooperative's calculations or priority claims, leading to prolonged conflicts.

6. Lack of Awareness Among Members
   Many cooperative members are unaware of the legal requirements for nominating beneficiaries or updating their nominations. This lack of awareness can result in outdated nominations or disputes among family members who expect to inherit the shares.

7. Overregulation by the Commissioner
   The Commissioner for Co-operative Development has significant powers under the Co-operative Societies Act, including approving auditors, overseeing liquidations, and intervening in disputes. This overregulation can complicate succession processes, as cooperatives may delay action pending the Commissioner's approval, as noted in a report by coops4dev.coop.

Steps to Resolve Succession Disputes

Resolving succession disputes involving cooperatives requires a structured approach that balances the Co-operative Societies Act, succession law, and the cooperative's by-laws. Below are practical steps to navigate these disputes:

1. Verify the Nomination
   The cooperative should confirm whether the deceased member nominated a beneficiary for their shares or interest. This involves reviewing the member's records and any nomination forms submitted to the cooperative. If a valid nomination exists, the cooperative must transfer the shares to the nominee, subject to its by-laws and Section 39 of the Act.

2. Engage the Personal Representative
   If no nomination exists or the nomination is contested, the cooperative should engage the deceased's personal representative, who must provide a grant of probate or letters of administration. The personal representative has the authority to claim the shares on behalf of the estate and distribute them according to the Law of Succession Act.

3. Refer Disputes to the Co-operative Tribunal
   If disputes arise between the cooperative and the nominee, personal representative, or other claimants, the matter should be referred to the Co-operative Tribunal under Section 76 of the Co-operative Societies Act. The Tribunal is equipped to handle disputes concerning the cooperative's business, including the transfer of shares. Parties should prepare evidence, such as nomination forms, membership records, and succession documents, to support their claims.

4. Seek Mediation or Alternative Dispute Resolution
   Before escalating to the Tribunal or courts, parties can explore mediation or alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms. Many cooperatives have internal dispute resolution committees, and mediation can be a cost-effective and faster alternative to litigation. The cooperative's by-laws may also provide for ADR processes.

5. Address Liabilities of the Estate
   The cooperative must calculate any debts or liabilities owed by the deceased member's estate, as required by Section 38 of the Act. These liabilities should be settled before distributing the remaining shares or dividends to avoid disputes over reduced payouts.

6. Obtain Legal Advice
   Given the complexity of succession disputes, cooperatives and beneficiaries should seek legal advice from experts familiar with both the Co-operative Societies Act and the Law of Succession Act. Legal counsel can help navigate jurisdictional issues, interpret by-laws, and ensure compliance with statutory requirements.

7. Update Cooperative By-laws
   Cooperatives should regularly review and update their by-laws to align with the Co-operative Societies Act and the Law of Succession Act. Clear provisions on nomination processes, share transfers, and dispute resolution can prevent conflicts. Members should also be educated on the importance of nominating beneficiaries and keeping their nominations current.

8. Appeal to the High Court if Necessary
   If the Co-operative Tribunal's decision is unsatisfactory, parties may appeal to the High Court under Section 81 of the Co-operative Societies Act. The High Court's decision is final, providing a last resort for resolving complex disputes.

Recommendations for Cooperatives and Members

To minimize succession disputes, cooperatives and their members can take proactive measures:

• Member Education
  Cooperatives should conduct regular awareness campaigns to educate members on the importance of nominating beneficiaries and updating their nominations after major life events, such as marriage or the birth of a child.

• Clear Nomination Processes
  Cooperatives should implement standardized nomination forms and ensure they are properly documented and stored. Regular audits of member records can help identify missing or outdated nominations.

• Alignment of By-laws
  Cooperatives should ensure their by-laws are consistent with the Co-operative Societies Act and the Law of Succession Act. By-laws should clearly outline the process for transferring shares upon a member's death and provide for dispute resolution mechanisms.

• Timely Audits and Transparency
  Section 25 of the Co-operative Societies Act requires cooperatives to conduct annual audits of their accounts, including reserve funds and member shares. Transparent financial reporting can reduce disputes over the value of a deceased member's interest.

• Collaboration with Legal Experts
  Cooperatives should work with legal professionals to draft by-laws, handle nominations, and resolve disputes. This ensures compliance with legal requirements and reduces the risk of litigation.

Conclusion

Succession disputes involving cooperatives in Kenya are multifaceted, requiring careful navigation of the Co-operative Societies Act (Cap 490), the Law of Succession Act (Cap 160), and cooperative by-laws. Legal challenges, such as unclear nominations, jurisdictional overlaps, and estate liabilities, can prolong disputes and strain relationships between cooperatives and their members' families. By following a structured resolution process, including verifying nominations, engaging personal representatives, and utilizing the Co-operative Tribunal, cooperatives can address these disputes effectively. Proactive measures, such as member education and updated by-laws, can further prevent conflicts. For expert guidance on resolving succession disputes or navigating cooperative law, contact us at +254 716 808 104 or info@lawguide.co.ke.