Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Kenya have been given an extra year to complete their transition into the Public Benefits Organisations (PBO) framework.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen made the extension through Legal Notice No. 85 published in the Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 117. The notice confirms that the transition period has been extended by 12 months, effective May 14, 2026.

The decision is anchored in paragraph 5(2) of the Fifth Schedule to the Public Benefits Organisations Act, which allows the Cabinet Secretary to extend the transition timeline.

“It is notified for the general information of the public that 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.

The extension now gives NGOs until May 2027 to complete their registration under the new legal framework.

Streamlining NGO operations

Murkomen’s move comes amid ongoing adjustments in the implementation of the PBO Act, which was enacted in 2013 but only operationalised in 2024 after years of delay. The law aims to regulate and streamline the work of charitable and non-profit organisations in the country.

The Act also seeks to improve accountability and transparency in the sector while supporting organisations that deliver humanitarian and development work.

The transition process has, however, faced uncertainty. Some organisations raised concerns over compliance requirements and the risk of disruption to ongoing programmes.

The latest extension is expected to ease those concerns. It also gives organisations more time to align their structures with the new legal requirements.

No fresh registration needed

At the same time, the Public Benefits Organisations Regulatory Authority (PBORA) has clarified that NGOs do not need to apply for fresh registration.

“All NGOs previously registered under the repealed NGOs Coordination Act No. 19 of 1990 automatically transitioned into PBOs and are, therefore, not required to apply for fresh registration,” said PBORA Director General Dr Laxmana Kiptoo.

He added that the authority will only require organisations to update their records through the eCitizen platform. This includes submitting governance details, updated constitutions, and board resolutions confirming compliance with the new framework.

PBORA said the process will help it maintain an updated national register of organisations operating under the Act.

The authority will also issue new certificates under the PBO framework after verification of the submitted documents. However, organisations will retain their original registration dates to ensure continuity with donors and partners.

Civil society groups have previously urged the government to ensure a smooth transition that does not disrupt service delivery. Many NGOs operate in health, education, governance, and humanitarian support, and rely heavily on donor funding.

The government says the reforms will strengthen oversight while allowing organisations to continue their work without unnecessary interruption.

With the new extension, NGOs now have until May 2027 to fully comply with the PBO Act requirements and complete the transition process.