KACP is registered under the Societies Act, registration number 26657. Its constitution sets out what the Association exists to do, who may join, how it is governed and how its funds are managed.
Objectives
The Association is non political and exists solely to promote the advancement of pathology in Kenya. Its objectives are to:
- Encourage the study, research and practice of pathology in all its branches.
- Establish ethical and professional standards in education, training and certification.
- Support members through scientific meetings, publications and continuing professional development.
- Work with national and international professional associations.
- Mobilise resources for sustainability and growth, including grants, partnerships and fundraising.
- Maintain a secure online membership database for transparency, accountability and communication.
Membership categories
Ordinary members
Medical professionals with recognised and registrable postgraduate qualifications in any branch of pathology who practise in Kenya or abroad. Ordinary members vote at general meetings and may be elected to office.
Associate members
Trainee members are postgraduate residents in pathology and related fields. Allied members are doctors and professionals in other fields of medicine with an interest in pathology. Associates take part in all activities and may serve on subcommittees, but do not vote or hold office.
Honorary members
Scientists or professionals of distinction in medical science, nominated and approved by the Executive Committee. Honorary members pay no fees and do not vote or hold office.
Non resident members
Ordinary members who leave Kenya permanently while fully paid up. They take part virtually, keep their vote and continue to pay their subscription, but may not hold office.
Joining and staying in good standing
- Applications are made on the prescribed form, on paper or online, with the registration fee and supporting documents.
- Ordinary and associate applications are sponsored by two fully paid up ordinary members.
- The Executive Committee reviews every application. Rights begin once the registration fee and annual subscription are paid.
- A member who falls behind on subscriptions becomes inactive and cannot hold office or represent the Association until arrears are cleared. Three consecutive years of non payment ends membership.
- Members who have lapsed can be reinstated through the procedure set out in the constitution.
Governance
The Executive Committee is the governing body of the Association. It is made up of the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Vice Secretary, Treasurer and two Council Members. Office bearers serve two year terms, renewable once. Council Members serve a single three year term. The committee meets at least once every six months, with a quorum of four, and may meet in person, online or in a hybrid format.
Five standing committees support its work: Finance and Resource Mobilisation; Quality Assurance, Audits and Ethics; Social and Public Relations; Scientific and Education; and Editorial and Research. The Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer serve as Trustees, holding the Association’s property in trust for its members.
Meetings, conduct and accounts
General meetings
The Annual General Meeting receives the Executive Committee’s report and audited accounts, elects office bearers and appoints the auditor. Notice is 21 days. Special General Meetings need 14 days’ notice and may be called by the Executive Committee or by five members. Voting is by secret ballot, in person or electronically.
Discipline
Complaints are investigated by the Quality Assurance, Audits and Ethics Committee. Sanctions range from a warning to expulsion, which the General Assembly must ratify. Members may appeal to the Executive Committee within 30 days.
Funds and audit
Income comes from fees and subscriptions, grants, sponsorships and events. Funds are held in the Association’s bank account and spent only on its objectives, never distributed to members. An independent auditor examines the accounts every year.
Amendments
The constitution can be amended by a two thirds majority of ordinary members present and voting at a General Meeting, with 21 days’ notice to members. Amendments take effect once registered with the Registrar of Societies.
Guidelines and policies
KACP practice guidelines, position statements and policies are published under Administrative Resources as they are adopted. The Association’s strategic direction is set out in the Strategic Plan 2025 to 2030.
