Kenya's Interior Ministry has directed all non-governmental organisations operating in the country to transition to the new Public Benefit Organisations (PBO) regulatory framework. Non-compliant NGOs risk deregistration and loss of recognition. The transition period ends on May 13, 2026.
On Monday, May 4, 2026, Kenya's Ministry of Interior issued a notice requiring all non-governmental organisations to transition to the new Public Benefit Organisations (PBO) regulatory framework. Organisations directly implementing activities must register, while those operating indirectly, such as funders, need a permit.
The ministry stated, "All NGOs that have not yet transitioned to the new Public Benefit Organisations (PBO) Regulations framework are required to review the prescribed requirements and to submit the prescribed information and supporting documentation to facilitate re-registration and the issuance of the appropriate certificate."
"Kindly note that the transition period lapses on May 13 2026, and all compliance requirements must be fulfilled within this timeframe with failure affecting the organisation's legal status in the country," it added.
The PBO framework, established by the PBO Act 2013, aims to streamline governance and oversight. NGOs must submit annual reports, audited accounts, and pass a public benefit test.
Some NGOs have challenged the directive, arguing that the re-registration requirement was declared unconstitutional, allowing automatic transition without re-registering. "Re-registration requirement was declared unconstitutional, and all NGOs are expected to transit automatically. Also, the e-citizen platform for PBORA is illegal as currently formatted," stated one NGO.
