The Public Benefit Organizations Regulatory Authority

Hosted by the CEO, Dr. Laxamana Kiptoo, I visited the Public Benefit Organizations Regulatory Authority (PBORA) headquarters to review progress in implementing the Public Benefit Organizations (PBO) Regulation.

Our discussions centered on strengthening collaboration between government agencies and PBOs to promote good governance, curb money laundering and enhance civil society's contribution to national development.

I commended the Authority for safeguarding the non-profit sector against terrorism financing risks while emphasizing transparency, accountability and effective regulation.

What Exactly is Fiscal Sponsorship?
Many grassroots organizations in Kenya think they need to wait for NGO or CBO registration before seeking donor funding. That wait can take 6 to 12 months — valuable time when communities still need urgent help.
Fiscal sponsorship is a legal partnership where a registered nonprofit receives and manages funds on your behalf. This gives you:

Immediate access to donor grants.

Credibility and accountability from the sponsor’s oversight.

Time to focus on your programs while waiting for your certificate.

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The ICT Authority’s initiatives to entrench ICT in service delivery ensure that Kenyans are served in an
effective and efficient manner.

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To facilitate and co-ordinate
Specifically, the Public Benefit Organizations Regulatory Authority is responsible for inter alia registering, facilitating and coordinating all national and international NGOs operating in Kenya; advising the government on their contribution to national development.

How long does it take to register NGO in Kenya?
Registering an NGO in Kenya generally takes around three months. This timeframe can vary based on the completeness of the application and the workload of the NGO Coordination Board. The process involves submitting an application, undergoing review by the Board, and potentially providing additional information or clarifications.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Initial Steps:
The process begins with a name search and approval, which can take a day or two.
Application Submission:
Once the name is approved, the application is submitted, along with necessary documents like the organization's constitution, proposed budget, and other relevant information.
Board Review:
The NGO Coordination Board reviews the application, which can take 60-90 days.
Potential Delays:
The process can be delayed if the application is incomplete or if the Board requires additional information.
Final Steps:
If the application is approved, the NGO Coordination Board issues a registration certificate.

To register an NGO in Kenya, you need to follow a process that includes name reservation, document preparation, application submission, and verification. This involves obtaining the necessary forms, drafting the NGO's constitution, gathering identification and clearance documents for officials, and paying the required fees. The application is then submitted to the NGO Coordination Board for review and approval.
Step-by-step process:
1. Name Search and Reservation:
Submit Form 2 to the NGO Coordination Board to search and reserve a name for your organization.
Pay the required fee (Ksh 1,000) for the name search and reservation.
2. Document Preparation:
Form 1: This form outlines the organization's contact details, the names and details of the top three officials, and the charitable objectives.
Form 3: This is the detailed application form for registration.
NGO Constitution: Prepare a constitution that outlines the NGO's objectives, operating procedures, and compliance with Kenyan law.
Minutes of the First Meeting: Minutes from the initial meeting where members agreed to establish the NGO and its objectives.
Personal Documents: Include copies of IDs/passports and KRA PIN certificates for all officials and board members.
Certificates of Good Conduct: Obtain police clearance certificates (or equivalent for foreigners) for all officials.
Passport-sized photos: Provide passport-sized photos of the officials and board members.
Address of the Organization: Include a physical address, postal address, phone numbers, and email for the organization.
Budget: Prepare a proposed one-year budget for the NGO.
3. Application Submission:
Submit the completed application forms, along with all supporting documents, to the NGO Coordination Board.
Pay the required fees for the application (Ksh 400 for forms 1 and 3).
4. Verification and Approval:
The NGO Coordination Board will review the application and conduct necessary verifications.
If the application is approved, the organization will receive a Certificate of Registration.
Important Considerations:
At least one-third of the board members must be Kenyan citizens for foreign-based organizations .
The registration process can take some time: due to the vetting process, especially for foreign-based organizations.
After registration, NGOs must file annual returns: with the NGO Coordination Board.

Public Benefit Organizations Regulatory Authority Hiring

Positions
1. Office Administrator
2. Senior Customer Care Assistant
3. Driver
4. ICT Officer
5. Auditor
6. Partnership & Resource Mobilization Officer
7. Communication Officer
8. Supply Chain Management Officer
9. Investigations & Enforcement Officer
10. Registration Officer
11. Senior Compliance Officer
12. Principal Finance Officer

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