Public Benefits Organizations(PBOs) Week was on Tuesday April 14, 2026 launched in Nakuru.
During the launch, a call was made to PBOs to adhere to the new regulations in place.
Speaking during the event held at Nyayo gardens, Public Benefit Organizations Regulatory Authority(PBORA) Director Operations Mr. Isaiah Sang appealed to PBOs in Nakuru to remain on the safer side of the law by aligning with the new regulations.
“We have no otherwise as PBOs, but to comply with the new regulations for our own good,” he stated.
He also called on PBOs to be cautious on the kind of donors and funders.
According to him, some PBOs have found themselves on the wrong arm of the law, by their finding having issues around criminal activities such as terrorism.
He was however quick to point out that ubder the new regulations, such gaps will be addressed.
“As PBOs we should also be cautious about our donors lest we find ourselves funding some criminal activities such as terrorism,” he said.
Sentiments echoed by Nakuru Regional Coordinator PBORA Dr. James Onkoba.
He however lauded Nakuru PBOs for coming together towards the launch of the PBOs’ Week.
“I am very grateful to our PBOs for the support towards this week. It shows what partnership and collaboration can yield,” stated Onkoba.
The event was also graced by Administrator David Mutuku who represented Nakuru County Commissioner Dr. Loyford Kibara.
He reiterated the good work beinh done by PBOs in Nakuru.l in various sectors.
“PBOs play key role in shaping society through education projects, monitoring, collaboration with NGAO, Agriculture sector. As NGAO we appreciate for the collaboration with PBOs,” he said.
The NGAO representative also used the moment to appeal to members of PBOs to always share information that will help boost security in Nakuru County.
“Information sharing is key towards addressing matters of insecurity and PBOs are key partners,” he said.
The event was graced by various PBOs and CBOs in Nakuru.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Kenya are currently undergoing a mandatory transition to become Public Benefits Organizations (PBOs) under the Public Benefit Organizations (PBO) Act, 2013, which officially commenced on May 14, 2024.This shift replaces the previous NGO Coordination Act of 1990 and introduces a more structured, transparent regulatory framework aimed at enhancing accountability.
Key Aspects of the Change:
Transition Deadline: The Ministry of Interior has extended the deadline for compliance until May 13, 2026.
Automatic Transition: A High Court ruling in June 2025 clarified that existing NGOs registered under the old Act are automatically deemed PBOs by operation of law, meaning they do not need to re-register from scratch but must update their records with the new Authority.
New Regulator: The NGO Coordination Board has been replaced by the Public Benefit Organizations Regulatory Authority (PBORA).
Benefits of PBO Status: Registered PBOs gain access to specific tax exemptions (income tax on donations, VAT exemptions on aid-funded projects), streamlined work permit processing for staff, and the ability to engage in income-generating activities for sustainability.
Key Requirements: PBOs are required to submit annual audited accounts within 6 months of the end of their financial year, regardless of the funding amount (previously only for those receiving over KES 1M).
International NGOs: International PBOs that directly implement projects in Kenya must have at least one-third of their board members as Kenyan citizens residing in Kenya.
Status as of 2025/2026:
The transition is in a high-compliance phase. Organizations that fail to comply with the new registration and governance standards by the May 13, 2026 deadline face the risk of losing their legal status and being deregistered.