The Certified Secretaries (CS) qualification is a cornerstone for professionals aiming to excel in corporate governance, compliance, and company secretarial roles in Kenya. Offered by the Kenya School of Law (KSL), this program equips individuals with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of modern corporate environments. As the May 2025 intake approaches, prospective students must familiarize themselves with the course structure, fees, duration, and application process to make informed decisions about their professional development.
Understanding the Certified Secretaries (CS) Course
The CS course is meticulously designed to produce experts proficient in:
- Corporate Governance: Ensuring organizations adhere to established policies and ethical standards.
- Compliance Auditing: Evaluating and ensuring that companies comply with regulatory requirements.
- Company Secretarial Practice: Managing corporate affairs, including board meetings and stakeholder communications.
Graduates of this program are well-positioned to serve as company secretaries, governance practitioners, compliance auditors, and policy consultants across various sectors.
Course Structure and Duration
The CS program is structured into three progressive levels, each building upon the knowledge and skills acquired in the previous stage:
- Foundation Level: Introduces the basics of corporate governance and business law.
- Intermediate Level: Delves deeper into company law, financial management, and governance.
- Advanced Level: Focuses on strategic aspects, including advanced governance, corporate secretarial practice, and compliance.
Each level spans approximately three months, culminating in a total course duration of nine months for students progressing sequentially without exemptions. Classes are conducted virtually, accommodating working professionals by scheduling sessions between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM on weekdays, with additional sessions on Saturdays as per the timetable.
Fee Structure
Investing in the CS course is a strategic step toward career advancement. The fee structure for the May 2025 intake is as follows:
- Foundation Level: Kshs. 7,500 per unit
- Intermediate Level: Kshs. 8,000 per unit
- Advanced Level: Kshs. 9,000 per unit
In addition to tuition fees, students are required to pay a one-time application fee of Kshs. 2,000 and a library fee of Kshs. 5,000. It’s important to note that these fees do not cover charges payable to KASNEB, the examining body, which include registration, examination, and exemption fees.
Eligibility Criteria
To enroll in the CS course, applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum qualifications:
- Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with an aggregate grade of C+ (C plus) or its equivalent.
- Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education (KACE) with at least two principal passes, provided the applicant has credits in Mathematics and English at the Kenya Certificate of Education (KCE) level or equivalent qualifications.
- KASNEB technician, diploma, or professional examination certificate.
- A degree from a recognized university.
- International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examination grade C in six papers, including C in both English and Mathematics.
These diverse entry points ensure that individuals from various educational backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue the CS qualification.
Exemptions
Recognizing prior learning and professional experience, KSL offers exemptions to qualified individuals, particularly those with legal backgrounds:
- Advocates of the High Court of Kenya: Depending on years of experience, advocates may receive exemptions for up to 12 units across different levels.
- Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) Graduates: Eligible for exemptions in specific units, reducing the number of courses required to complete the CS qualification.
These exemptions acknowledge the overlap in competencies and aim to streamline the certification process for legal professionals.
Application Process
Prospective students are encouraged to apply promptly to secure their slots for the May 2025 intake. The application process involves:
- Registration: Complete the online registration form available on the KSL website.
- Payment of Application Fee: Deposit the non-refundable application fee of Kshs. 2,000 to the designated KSL bank account.
- Submission of Documents: Provide necessary academic and professional certificates for verification.
Upon successful registration, applicants will receive admission letters and a detailed fee structure. It’s advisable to review all requirements and prepare the necessary documentation in advance to facilitate a smooth application process.
Career Prospects
Attaining the CS qualification opens doors to a multitude of career opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Certified Secretaries are in high demand for roles such as:
- Company Secretaries: Overseeing corporate governance and ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
- Governance Consultants: Advising organizations on best practices in governance and compliance.
- Compliance Auditors: Assessing and ensuring that companies adhere to internal policies and external regulations.
- Policy Advisors: Formulating and implementing policies that align with organizational goals and regulatory frameworks.
The versatility of the CS qualification allows professionals to serve in various capacities, contributing to the enhancement of corporate governance standards within organizations.
