Official Document

EUNCCU Constitution
2022 Edition

The governing document of the Egerton University, Njoro Campus Christian Union — establishing the identity, governance, membership, and operations of the Union since its founding on 25th March 1967.

Last Amended
11 June 2022
Total Amendments
11
Registration No.
EU/AA/SA/ASSOC/16
Total Parts
12
Part A

Preamble

We, The Egerton University, Njoro Campus Christian Union (EUNCCU), are a Union of Christian students in Egerton University Njoro Campus bound together in common faith in the one and only true God, committed to living according to the Holy Biblical Scriptures, and being exclusively non-political and non-denominational, do adopt, enact and give to ourselves and to the coming Egerton University, Njoro Campus Christian Union generations this constitution.
Declaration

This constitution is explicit; that which is not covered herein shall be interpreted by the Executive Committee. No provision shall be construed as to qualify, defeat or in any manner contravene the Holy Biblical Scriptures. Any such provision shall, to the extent of the contravention, have no effect.

Part B

Identity

Article 1
Name & Logo

The full name of the association shall be 'Egerton University, Njoro Campus Christian Union (EUNCCU)', herein referred to as 'The Union'. Registration number: EU/AA/SA/ASSOC/16, as registered in the Office of the Dean of Students, Egerton University, Njoro Campus.

The logo shall be a copyright which uniquely identifies the Christian Union and shall only be used in the furtherance of the vision, mission and specific objectives of the Union.

Article 2 — Vision
Equipped for Service

To be Christian believers, holistically equipped for service and holy living.

Article 3 — Mission
Cultivating Fellowship

We are committed to cultivating a fellowship of Christian believers, equipped for eternal life and every good work, in the body of Christ and the society, through nurturing and training in God's word.

Article 4
Core Values
1

Holiness

2

Faithfulness to Scripture

3

Unity

4

Integrity

5

Excellence

Article 5
Objectives
  • 1Evangelism. To share the love of Christ and promote the knowledge of Christian faith within and without the University campus, for the purpose of facilitating individuals' commitment to God, using the Holy Biblical Scriptures as our absolute authority.
  • 2Discipleship. To promote faithful and practical Christian living among Christians within and without the university campus through Sunday services, fellowships and other activities.
  • 3Leadership Development. To train and promote quality Christian leadership and individuals' talents through service to God, among the Union members.
  • 4Holistic Development. To nurture and impact individuals who are reliable Socially, Economically and Academically as per Biblical teachings.
Article 6
Doctrinal Basis
The doctrinal basis of the Union shall be the fundamental truths of Christianity including:
  • 1The trinity of the Godhead — The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.
  • 2The virgin birth of Jesus Christ.
  • 3The universal sinfulness and guilt of all men since the fall, rendering them subject to God's wrath and judgment.
  • 4Salvation by grace through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
  • 5The presence, power and the work of the Holy Spirit.
  • 6The atoning power of the blood of Jesus Christ.
  • 7The second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • 8The divine inspiration and truthfulness of the Holy Biblical Scriptures as originally given and its supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.
  • 9The one Holy universal church, which is the body of Christ and to which all true believers belong.
  • 10The unity of believers in the body of Christ without discrimination on the account of race, tribe, gender, disability or any other manner of discrimination.
Part C

Membership

Article 7.1
Membership Categories
7.1.1
Full Membership

Open to all Egerton University undergraduate and diploma students who ascribe to the doctrinal basis and conscientiously sign the declaration of faith.

  • Eligible to hold office
  • Entitled to vote in general meetings
  • May propose constitutional amendments
7.1.2
Special Membership

Open to all other students of Egerton University who conscientiously sign the declaration of faith and ascribe to the doctrinal basis.

  • May participate in nominations
  • Entitled to vote in general meetings
  • Not eligible for Executive Committee
  • May serve in short-term special committees
7.1.3
Associate Membership

Open to born-again former members and other born-again Christians who are not students at the university, having signed the declaration of faith.

  • Free to participate in activities
  • Advisory role only
  • Not entitled to vote
  • Not eligible to hold office

Declaration of Faith: "I declare my faith in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour. I will live a life worthy of the Christian calling and in joining The Union, I ascribe to its doctrinal basis and commit myself to be actively involved in The Union's activities as it seeks to fulfill its objectives." — Article 7.1.1

Article 7.1.4 & 7.1.5
Fees & Termination

There shall be no membership fees. Membership shall cease upon: completion or termination of studies; resignation after careful consideration by the Executive Committee; or a judicious exercise of power by the Executive Committee in consultation with the Advisory Committee.

Part D

Governance

Governance in the Union is vested in: the Annual General Meeting (supreme body), the Executive Committee, the Advisory Committee, the Constitution Implementation Committee, the University Chaplain, and the Sub-committees.
Article 8.1
Executive Committee — Composition
I
Chairperson

Principal coordinator & spokesperson; signatory to bank account; presides over all meetings.

II
Vice-Chairperson

Performs chairperson duties in absence; custodian of constitution and policy documents.

III
Secretary

Maintains member database; records minutes; signatory to bank account.

IV
Vice-Secretary

Assists secretary; coordinates new members' orientation programmes.

V
Treasurer

Manages Union finances; signatory to bank account; keeps asset records.

VI
Librarian

Custodian of library materials; purchases recommended literature; manages postal mail.

VII
Prayer Secretary

Coordinates all devotional activities; leads prayer ministrations; handles prayer correspondences.

VIII
Music Director

Links Ebenezer, Praise & Worship and Choir ministries; facilitates Sunday services.

IX
Technical Coordinator

Manages Union assets and music equipment; oversees Media and Instrumentalists' ministries.

X
Missions Coordinator

Coordinates evangelistic strategies; links Outreach, FFM and regional evangelistic teams.

XI
Bible Study Coordinator

Coordinates all Bible study groups; organises baptism and Holy communion; links Pastoral Committee.

XII
Organizing Secretary

Manages transport, venue bookings and recreational activities; links Brothers & Sisters Committee.

Composition Rule: At least three (3) members shall be in their second year of study, and at most nine (9) shall be in their third year of study (or fourth-year Engineering/Veterinary Medicine students).

Article 8.2
The Patron

Shall be a staff of the university whose rank shall be equivalent to, or higher than, that of an assistant lecturer, who has shown interest in the Union's activities. The Union shall have two patrons, one of whom shall be a signatory to the Union's bank account.

Article 8.3
Advisory Committee

Shall consist of at least 7 associate members — one being the convener — all of whom shall be born-again Christians, active in the Union's activities, and of mature Christian character. The committee has no executive powers but advises on matters promoting the Union's objectives.

Members include: the Union's alumni chairperson, at most 2 FOCUS staff members, the two patrons, two university staff members, and one non-university staff member. They serve for two academic years and are eligible for re-appointment.

Article 8.4
Constitution Implementation Committee (CIC)

Constituted of all immediate former members of the CRC. The CIC shall: oversee the implementation of the constitution; make proposals to the Executive Committee on implementation; and facilitate training of Union officials on constitutional matters.

Article 8.5
University Chaplain

To perform advisory duties, the Chaplain must: be a born-again Christian; be an ordained minister of the Word; and ascribe to the objectives of the Union and be willing to work in accordance with its constitution.

Article 8.6
Sub-Committees

Each sub-committee shall have at most nine (9) officials, proposed by outgoing officials and approved by the Executive Committee. Every sub-committee shall have a linker to the Executive Committee, and all must strictly adhere to the Union's constitution, leadership manual, and their respective policy documents.

Part E

Ministries, Committees & Evangelistic Teams

Article 9.1 — Ministries (14)
Catering Ministry
Choir Ministry
Class Fellowships
Ebenezer Ministry
Faith Foundation Ministry (FFM)
Information Technology Ministry
Instrumentalists' Ministry
Intercessory Ministry
Outreach Ministry
Praise & Worship Ministry
Publicity Ministry
Sunday School Ministry
Ushering Ministry
Literature Ministry
Article 9.2 — Special Committees (6 Permanent)
Accounts Committee
Brothers & Sisters Committee
Business Committee (B.COMM)
In-reach Committee
Pastoral Committee
Welfare Committee
Article 9.3 — Regional Evangelistic Teams (7)
Central Evangelistic Team (CET)
EMUSETA
Mid-Eastern United Brethren (MUBET)
Nyanza Evangelistic Team (NET)
Rift Valley Evangelistic Team (RIVET)
Uttermost Evangelistic Team (UET)
Western Outreach (WESO)
Part F

Meetings

Article 10.1
General Meetings
Meeting Type Frequency Notice Required Quorum
Annual General Meeting (AGM) Once per academic year; by first weekend of 3rd month of 1st semester 21 days written notice; accounts 7 days prior At least two-thirds of registered members in session
Special General Meeting (SGM) As called by Executive Committee; evaluation SGM by week 10 of 2nd semester 7 days written notice At least 25% of registered committed members
Member-Requisitioned SGM Upon written request by at least 25% of members Within 21 days of requisition; 7 days notice At least 25% of registered committed members
Dissolution Meeting Special purpose only 14 days notice for subsequent meetings Two-thirds of total members; 50% for 2nd meeting
Article 10.2 — Procedure
Meeting Procedure

The Chairperson shall preside at all general meetings, with the Vice-Chairperson deputising in absence. The Secretary records minutes, with the Vice-Secretary deputising. The Chairperson may limit the number of speakers for or against any motion at their discretion.

Article 10.3 — Other Meetings
Weekly & Sub-Committee Meetings

Weekly meetings shall include Bible studies, devotions, fellowships, services, ministerial meetings, and any other activities the Executive Committee determines. The Executive Committee shall convene meetings with sub-committees at least once a semester.

Part G

Nominations & Replacements

Article 11.1 — Eligibility
Who May Stand for Office

Ineligibility Conditions

All members in their first and final years of study shall be ineligible to hold any office in the Executive Committee. Members of the outgoing Executive Committee who are not in their final year shall be eligible for re-appointment.

Exception: A member who has completed a diploma programme at Egerton University, Njoro Campus, and immediately enrolls for a degree programme shall be eligible from their first year of study.

Article 11.2
Nominations College

Composed of 9–13 members including: ineligible sitting Executive Committee members; ineligible former Executive Committee members; one reputable Union member appointed by the sitting committee; and a FOCUS staff returning officer (advisory role). The college shall be constituted two weeks before the nominations date and trained before nominations commence.

Article 11.3
The Nominations Process
  • 1Members notified at least 3 weeks before nominations for prayer, fasting and meditation.
  • 2All eligible members introduced at least twice before the nomination date.
  • 3Nominations held within the second month of the first semester.
  • 4Full and special members recommend candidates in writing through prayerful consideration.
  • 5The Nominations College makes final appointments for each office.
  • 6Appointees presented before the Union two weeks after nominations and two weeks before the AGM.
  • 7Objections must be made in writing within 7 days of presentation.
  • 8Appointed leaders take office only after ratification at the AGM.
Article 11.4
Terms of Service
  • 1A leadership year runs between two consecutive AGMs.
  • 2A member shall not serve for more than two terms.
  • 3The Chairperson shall not serve for more than one consecutive term.
Article 11.5
Replacement
Replacement may be triggered by:
  • 1A two-thirds vote of no confidence in a special general meeting.
  • 2Resignation of the entire committee or part thereof.
  • 3Death of a member.
  • 4Vote of no confidence among other Executive Committee members (ratified by 2/3 of full and special members in an SGM).
  • 5Academic reasons: deferment, discontinuation, change of institution.
  • 6Critical health reasons.
  • 7Conduct deemed unfit for the position of service.
  • 8Ceasing to be a member of the Union within the term of service.
Part H

Accounts & Administration

Article 12.1 — Funds
Financial Year & Aid

The financial year shall run for a period of 12 months and present financial reports in accordance with Article 10.1.1(4). The Union shall accept financial and other aid from within and without it. All further information regarding fund management shall be contained within the Union's financial policy.

Article 12.2 — Accounts
Books of Account

Books of accounts and all related documents shall be available for inspection at the registered office, by any member or person authorised by the Executive Committee, provided a written request of not less than 7 days reaches the Executive Committee through the Secretary. The Treasurer shall work with the Accounts Committee to keep records up to date and prepare for auditing.

Article 12.3 — External Auditor
Audit Requirements
  • 1The external auditor shall be proposed by the Executive Committee in consultation with the Advisory Committee.
  • 2Must be a qualified accountant.
  • 3Shall not be an office bearer or member of the Union.
  • 4All accounts and records shall be open for inspection before the AGM.
  • 5The auditor's report shall be furnished to members at the same time as the statement of account.
Article 12.4 — Union Assets
Asset Management

Assets shall be used towards achieving the objectives of the Union and shall not be leased, lent or given out unless the Executive Committee deems it necessary and in the Union's interest. There shall be an assets' manager working under the Technical Coordinator, responsible for accountability and efficiency in acquisition, maintenance and disposal.

Parts I — L

Documents, Dissolution, Amendments & Application

Part I — Accompanying Documents
Policy Framework
The following accompanying documents govern the Union's operations, each reviewable only by a two-thirds resolution of the Executive Committee:
  • 1Financial Policy — Detailed management of funds and assets.
  • 2Leadership Manual — Practical governance instructions; assumes knowledge of this constitution.
  • 3Assets Policy
  • 4Partnership Policy
  • 5Evangelistic Teams' Policy
  • 6Ministries' Policy
  • 7Missions' Policy
Part J — Dissolution
Dissolution of the Union

The Union shall not be dissolved except by a resolution passed at a general meeting by a vote of two-thirds of committed members present. No dissolution shall be effected without prior written permission from the Office of the Dean of Students, signed by three sitting Executive Committee members. Upon approved dissolution, all assets shall be liquidated and the balance distributed to Christian organisations as decided by the dissolution meeting.

Part K — Amendments
History of Amendments
Amendments require either a scheduled review by the Constitution Review Committee (CRC) after at least three years, or a member-proposed amendment passed by two-thirds of members in an SGM. Any amendment must be ratified in a general meeting.
25 March 1967Original Constitution
10 October 19721st Amendment
10 October 19922nd Amendment
27 January 19963rd Amendment
31 January 19984th Amendment
11 March 20005th Amendment
31 March 20076th Amendment
12 March 20087th Amendment
3 October 20098th Amendment
26 March 20149th Amendment
4 November 201710th Amendment
11 June 202211th Amendment — Current Edition
Part L — Application
Application Clause
  • iSubjected to the Union's general meeting before its adoption.
  • iiComes into full effect as soon as the 2022/2023 leadership year Executive Committee is convened.
  • iiiTo be used by the Union's Executive Committee officials.
  • ivComes into full implementation at the 2022/2023 AGM.