Identify five clauses contained in the Memorandum of Association
ANSWER
The various clauses of the memorandum of association are:
1. Name Clause: Contains the name of the company with limited as the last word of the name where the company’s liability is limited shares or guarantee.
2. Registered Office Clause: This is the domicile clause which states that the registered office of the company will be situated in Kenya.
3. Objects Clause: Sets out the purposes for which the company is incorporated.
4. Liability Clause: states that the liability of the company is limited shares or guarantee. If limited guarantee it must state that each member has undertaken to contribute to the assets of the company is wound up during the currency of his membership or within one year of cessation of membership.
5. Capital Clause: States the capital with which the company proposes to be registered with and thereof.
6. Association or declaration Clause: states the desire of the subscribers to be formed into a body corporate.
7. Particulars of the Subscribers: This clause specifies: Name and postal address of every subscriber. Number of shares held which must be not less than one. Signature of the subscriber held which must be attested to at least one witness.
8. Date: the memorandum must be dated.
Various clauses of the memorandum are alterable as follows:
• The Name Clause is alterable special resolution and written consent of the registrar. The registrar must be notified of the change within 14 days thereof.
• The Objects Clause is alterable special resolution. The resolution is registerable within 30 days thereof.
• The Liability Clause where an unlimited company may be registered as limited.
• The Capital Clause is alterable pursuant the Companies Act. Whereas reduction of capital must be authorized a special resolution. Other forms of alteration e.g. increase of capital, consolidation of shares or diminution of capital require an ordinary resolution.
• Particulars of Subscribers change when company membership changes transferor transmission of shares.