Omollo calls for public input as Kenya enforces dormant civil society law

Internal Security and National Administration PS Raymond Omollo. [File, Standard]

Internal Security and National Administration PS Raymond Omollo has called for public participation in shaping the draft rules of a 2013 law regulating civil society organisations, which the government only began enforcing last year.

Omollo presided over the launch of the draft Public Benefit Organisations (PBO) Regulations on Thursday, June 5, in Nairobi, describing the move as a major step in implementing the Public Benefit Organisations Act.

"The law provides a framework to guide operations of civil society organisations in Kenya," said Omollo. "It supports registration processes, asset protection and creates a dispute resolution tribunal under the Judiciary."

He explained that the law aligns with Article 36 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of association.

Although Parliament enacted the PBO Act in 2013, the government did not implement it until 2024 following a directive from President William Ruto.

Omollo urged stakeholders to give feedback on the draft regulations, which will determine how the law functions in practice.

"Public input is essential to ensure the regulations achieve the Act's purpose," said Omollo.

He said public benefit organisations play a key role in national development through job creation, service delivery and resource mobilisation.

According to the Annual Sector Report, the sector employed around 80,000 people and received Ksh. 196 billion in project support.

Omollo said the government would continue to support the full implementation of the Act and pledged cooperation with civil society and other partners to shape a regulatory environment that enables effective operations.