Murkomen extends NGO transition to Public Benefits Organisations by one year

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen/ FILE

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‎Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has extended by one year the transition period for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to register under the Public Benefits Organisations (PBO) framework.

‎In a gazette notice issued under Legal Notice No. 85, Murkomen said the extension takes effect from May 14, 2026, giving NGOs more time to comply with the requirements of the Public Benefits Organisations Act.

‎“Pursuant to paragraph 5 (2) of the Fifth Schedule to the Public Benefits Organizations Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration further extends by one year the period within which a non-government organization shall seek registration as a public benefits organization under the Act,” the notice reads in part.

‎The notice, dated May 12, 2026, means NGOs currently operating under the previous legal framework will continue to enjoy additional time before fully transitioning into Public Benefits Organisations (PBOs) as required by law.

‎The PBO Act was enacted 17 years ago.

‎The transition process has, however, faced delays over the years due to administrative, legal and operational concerns raised by stakeholders in the civil society sector.

‎Ruto, however, operationalised it on May 9, 2024, after years of delay.

‎The enactment of the Act was aimed at streamlining the regulation, registration and operations of charitable and non-profit organisations in Kenya, while also enhancing accountability and transparency within the sector.

‎It 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 latest extension is expected to provide relief to hundreds of organisations that were yet to complete the transition process, amid concerns over compliance timelines and operational adjustments required under the new legal framework.

‎Civil society players have previously urged the government to ensure a smooth transition process that does not disrupt humanitarian, governance and development programmes carried out by NGOs across the country.

‎The extension now means affected organisations will have until May 2027 to seek registration as Public Benefits Organisations under the law.