Public Benefit Organisations Act to be effected on Tuesday, May 14

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki. [Collins Kweyu, Standard]

The Public Benefit Organizations (PBO) Act is set to come into effect on Tuesday, May 14, following its gazettement by the Interior CS Kithure Kindiki has said.

Through his official X account, Kindiki stated that the new law sets out a comprehensive framework that will regulate civil societies operating within Kenya through a transparent framework.

"The Act expedites their registration process, reduces chances of whimsical administrative discretion in the registration of PBOs, closes all windows for arbitrariness, and offers a litany of tax and other benefits for registered PBOs," he stated.

According to Kindiki, the new law backs Kenya's values for transparent governance adding that it fortifies the country's democratic credentials for a participatory and open society.

"Gratified to see the fulfillment of yet another of the Kenya Kwanza Administration's pre-election manifesto pledges; namely, the promotion of inclusive and participatory governance, fostering accountability and welcoming alternative or even critical viewpoints," Kindiki added.

The PBO will now replace the Non-Governmental Organisations Coordination (NGO) Act after its implementation was frozen for 11 years after enactment in 2013.