NGOs Put On Notice Over New Public Benefits Act
All non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the country have one year to comply with the new legislation under the Public Benefits Organizations (PBO) Act.
The Act demands all NGOs to align their operations with the revised legal framework, which mandates that private entities openly disclose their funding sources, internal structures, and registration information.
Kiphchumba Murkomen, Interior Cabinet Secretary, issued a gazette notice on Friday, May 16, stating that the organizations had until May 13, 2026, to comply with the new legislation.
“It is notified for the general information of the public that the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior extends the transition period under Regulation 5 (1) of the Fifth Schedule to the Act for a further period of one year,” Murkomen said.
“Public Benefit Organisations (PBOs) that have not registered under the Act have until May 13 2026, from May 14, 2025, to comply,” the CS added.
The latest regulation will allow thousands of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to streamline their activities in order to be officially recognized by the government and receive numerous benefits.
We challenged the Constitutionality of @PBO_RA & Requirements for PBOs to Re-register in Court. On 30 April, High Court Declared PBORA & Re-registration as Unconstitutional. To date, the Judgement hasn't been uploaded yet Stay Orders were issued by same judge. Maajabu Haya pic.twitter.com/4SpOdsrd7d
— The Civil Society Reference Group Kenya (@CSRGKenya) May 17, 2025
The new legislation will provide registered NGOs with tax breaks, involvement in government procurements, and access to government training and team-building opportunities.
Furthermore, the Act authorizes non-state entities to engage in chosen income-generating activities as long as the organization reinvests the profits to meet its goal.
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The new law replaces the obsolete NGOs Coordination Act of 1990, which barred all non-state institutions from receiving the majority of the aforementioned advantages.
Murkomen’s letter to NGOs comes two days after PBO Director General Laxmana Kiptoo revealed that just 4,000 of 14,000 registered non-state groups followed the new regulation.
“It is shocking that out of the 14,000 NGOs we have registered, only 4,000 are compliant. They must align with the law that is being operationalised for the benefit of all,” Kiptoo stated.
Addressing stakeholders on Thursday, May 15, Kiptoo urged the civil societies to support the government in implementing the new regulation that is expected to be subject to public participation from next month.
NGOs Put On Notice Over New Public Benefits Act
