The Public Benefit Organisations Regulatory Authority has announced that organisations registered under the repealed NGOs Co-ordination Act will automatically transition to the Public Benefit Organisations (PBO) Act framework without applying for fresh registration.

In an advisory dated Thursday, May 14, 2026, the PBO regulatory authority has explained that organisations previously registered under the NGOs Co-ordination Act No. 19 of 1990 are not required to undergo a new registration process, as their transition is already provided for under the law.

“Following the operationalisation of the PBO Act, 2013, effective May 14, 2024, the Authority, under the guidance of the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration and in consultation with stakeholders, embarked on the process of developing PBO Regulations. This was aimed at providing a framework for the management and oversight of PBOs,” the Authority stated in a notice.

According to the notice, the authority is mandated to maintain an updated register of all public benefit organisations operating in Kenya. The register will contain details including areas of operation, registered officials, organisational assets, and other information required under the regulations.

As part of the transition process, all PBOs have now been directed to update their records in line with Regulation 43 of the PBO Regulations, 2026.

Documents required

The organisation stated that both national and international PBOs will be required to provide updated information and supporting documents to facilitate their inclusion in the official register.

Among the documents required are details of the organisation and its governing body, a revised constitution aligned with the PBO Act, and minutes containing resolutions approving entry into the PBO register.

Organisations will also submit copies of certificates issued under the repealed NGO law.

Part of the report stated that the minutes should contain resolutions approving “entry into the PBO Register as a PBO in accordance with the PBO Act, 2013″.

Submission through e-Citizen

The Authority further announced that the required information and documentation will be submitted through the e-Citizen platform once the submission link is officially provided.

“Information and documentation to be submitted through the eCitizen platform through a link to be provided in due course,” the statement read.

Officials also clarified that organisations will not be charged any fees during the transition process.

New certificates

Organisations that complete the process will receive new certificates issued under the PBO Act framework.

According to the advisory, the certificates will contain new registration numbers reflecting the organisations’ PBO status while also retaining the original registration dates and former registration numbers.

The Authority noted that retaining the original details is intended to ensure smooth engagement with donors, partners, service providers, and government institutions.

However, the advisory clarified that the automatic transition does not apply to international organisations operating under exempt status.