NAIROBI, Kenya – The Public Benefit Organizations Regulatory Authority (PBOA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, has launched a series of nationwide public forums to gather views on the draft regulations that will govern the registration, management, and accountability of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and charities in Kenya.
The draft regulations are designed to operationalize the Public Benefit Organizations (PBO) Act of 2013, which came into force on May 14, 2024, after years of legal and administrative delays. These consultations aim to provide a platform for citizens, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to contribute to the shaping of a modern legal framework for the nonprofit sector.
“To ensure inclusivity, the Authority has mapped out all 47 counties into various regions. Stakeholders, including PBOs, donors, and government agencies, will contribute through physical meetings, online webinars, and written submissions,” said the authority in a notice.
“This participatory approach aims to refine the regulations before they are formally adopted, ensuring they reflect the needs of all parties involved.”
The draft regulations are expected to streamline the process of NGO registration, set out clear standards for governance and financial reporting, and introduce enforcement measures for non-compliance.
This comes at a time when the civil society sector continues to play a vital role in service delivery, advocacy, and employment, making significant contributions to Kenya’s socio-economic development.
The consultations are being held across various counties, with participation from community-based organizations, faith groups, donors, legal experts, and citizens.
According to the PBO Authority, feedback from these forums will be incorporated into the final draft before the regulations are gazetted later this year.
Experts believe that once fully implemented, the PBO Act and its regulations will replace the outdated NGO Coordination Act of 1990, bringing Kenya’s civil society governance in line with international best practices.
As part of the transition, NGOs have until May 13, 2026, to align their constitutions and operations with the new legal framework.
The Ministry of Interior and the PBO Authority are urging all stakeholders to attend the forums or submit their input online to ensure the regulations reflect the needs and aspirations of the public.
