Kampuni

Kampuni is a Swahili term meaning company or corporation. In Kiswahili-speaking countries, a kampuni is a legally recognized business entity formed under company law to conduct commercial activities. A kampuni has a separate legal personality from its owners, allowing it to own property, enter contracts, and sue or be sued in its own name. It may continue beyond the life of its founders, giving it potential for perpetual existence.

Ownership and capital: A kampuni's capital is divided into shares or units. Shareholders own the kampuni and elect a board to represent their interests. Shares can typically be transferred, enabling ownership changes and facilitating capital-raising.

Governance and management: Governance is usually separated from day-to-day management. A board of directors sets policy and oversees management; officers and managers run operations. General meetings approve major actions and financial statements.

Formation and regulation: A kampuni is formed by registering with the appropriate authority in the country, and by adopting foundational documents such as articles of association or equivalent statutes. Compliance typically includes annual reporting, financial statements, audits where required, and ongoing filing obligations.

Types: Common forms include kampuni ya hisa (joint-stock company), which may be private or public; kampuni ya wajibu mdogo (limited liability company), often privately held; and kampuni ya umma (public company), whose shares are available to the public and subject to stricter disclosure and regulatory oversight. The exact forms, names, and rules vary by country.