Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo launched the Draft Public Benefit Organisations (PBO) Regulations in Nairobi on June 5, 2025.
“The draft regulations, a product of broad-based stakeholder consultations, bring us a step closer to operationalising the PBO Act and strengthening the legal and institutional framework that governs Public Benefit Organisations in Kenya,” he said.
This move marks a crucial step by the government in implementing the Public Benefit Organisations Act.
“We reaffirm our support for a vibrant, well-regulated civil society that complements government efforts in delivering services, promoting social justice, and deepening democratic governance across the country,” Omollo added.
The Public Benefit Organisations (PBO) Act, enacted in 2013, officially came into effect on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, after an 11-year delay in implementation.
The new law establishes a comprehensive, predictable, and transparent framework for the registration and regulation of civil society organisations operating within Kenyan territory.
It streamlines the registration process, minimises administrative discretion, curbs arbitrary decisions, and offers tax and other benefits to registered PBOs.
An inclusive, participatory, and open civil society is essential for Kenya, as it enhances democratic principles and supports transparent governance.
The PBO Act aims to strengthen the legal framework for civil society organisations and reflects the government’s commitment to its constitutional obligations, particularly Article 36, which guarantees the right to freedom of association.
The Act includes provisions for asset protection, clear registration procedures, and the establishment of a dispute resolution mechanism through a tribunal under the Judiciary.
It also seeks to promote transparency, citizen participation, and greater accountability in the sector.
During the launch, PS Omollo urged all stakeholders to actively participate in the development of the regulations, emphasising that their input is vital to ensuring the effectiveness of the new legal framework.
He also highlighted the critical role Public Benefit Organisations play in national development through service delivery, job creation, and resource mobilisation.
According to the Annual Sector Report, the PBO sector received Sh196 billion in project support and employed approximately 80,000 individuals.
The government reiterated its full support for the finalisation of the regulations and the full implementation of the Act, calling for continued collaboration among civil society, the government, and development partners to establish a regulatory environment that enables PBOs to operate effectively.
