NGOs Get One-Year Reprieve as Govt Extends Transition to New PBO Framework

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating in Kenya have received a major reprieve after the government extended the transition period into the new Public Benefits Organisation (PBO) framework by an additional 12 months.

The extension, announced through a special gazette notice issued by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, is expected to ease concerns among civil society organisations over possible deregistration and mandatory fresh registration requirements.

In the notice dated May 12, 2026, Murkomen formally extended the period under the Public Benefits Organisations Act, granting NGOs more time to comply with the new legal and regulatory framework.

“It is notified for the general information of the public that pursuant to paragraph 5 (2) of the Fifth Schedule to the Public Benefits Organisations Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration further extends by one year the period within which a non-government organisation shall seek registration as a public benefits organisation under the Act,” the gazette notice stated.

The extension takes effect from May 14, 2026, meaning NGOs now have until May 2027 to complete their transition into the framework established under the Public Benefits Organisations Act of 2013.

The move offers relief to organisations that had expressed concerns over tight timelines and compliance requirements under the new regime.

Despite the extension, NGOs will still be required to update their records through the eCitizen platform as part of the transition process. This will include submission of updated constitutions, governance structures, audited financial statements and board resolutions confirming compliance with the provisions of the Act.

Under the new regulations, organisations directly implementing activities in Kenya will be required to formally register as Public Benefits Organisations, while entities operating indirectly through grants, partnerships or funding arrangements will be required to obtain permits.

Upon successful transition, organisations will receive new PBO certificates with updated registration numbers while maintaining continuity with their previous registration history.

The Public Benefits Organisations Act, 2013 was introduced to provide a more structured legal framework for the regulation, coordination and oversight of charitable and non-profit entities operating in the country.