It’s a New Dawn for Public Benefit Organizations in Kenya

Dr. Raymond Omollo

Kenya has taken a bold step forward, fulfilling a key promise of the Kenya Kwanza Plan: the operationalization of the Public Benefit Organizations (PBO) Act. This marks a significant milestone for civil society in Kenya. This decision starts a new era of collaboration and transparency for PBOs across the nation.

The Act’s operationalization breathes new life into PBOs, empowering them to better fulfill their charitable missions and significantly impact the communities they serve.

The Government’s recognition of the vital role PBOs play in complementing national development efforts cannot be overstated. PBOs have long been the unsung heroes of our societal progress, addressing critical issues and providing essential services where they are needed most.

The Government’s bottom-up economic transformation agenda relies heavily on the supupport and active participation of these organizations.

For this collaboration to be effective, PBOs need an environment that not only facilitates their work but also guarantees their freedom of association as enshrined in Article 36 of the Constitution of Kenya.

A key element of this new legal framework is its potential to expedite the registration process for PBOs. This efficiency is crucial, particularly in times of humanitarian crises like the recent floods crisis. A faster registration process means that PBOs can mobilize resources and respond to emergencies more swiftly, providing timely assistance to those in desperate need.

The PBO Act is designed to create an enabling environment where these organizations can operate with increased efficiency and effectiveness. It introduces a regulatory and administrative framework that enhances the transparency and accountability of PBOs.

For beneficiaries, this means greater access to information about the organizations that seek to serve them, allowing for more informed scrutiny of PBO operations and ensuring that project funds are used as intended.

Moreover, the Act raises the standards of governance within the PBO sector. It emphasizes integrity and accountability, ensuring that PBOs are managed with the highest ethical standards.

This legal framework not only fosters better management practices but also encourages a stronger partnership between the Government, PBOs, Donors, Communities, the Private sector and other actors. Such collaboration is essential for advancing our national development agenda.

As we celebrate this legislative milestone, it is important to recognize the collective effort that brought us here.

Many PBO stakeholders have tirelessly advocated for the implementation of the Act, and their persistence has paid off. However, the operationalization of the PBO Act is just the beginning.

The real challenge lies in its implementation.

The next steps require a comprehensive understanding of the Act’s imperatives and requirements. All entities created by the Act must grasp their respective mandates and develop cohesive roadmaps for its successful implementation. Any gaps in the law must be addressed collaboratively to achieve a seamless implementation.

The operationalization of the PBO Act marks the dawn of a new era for public benefit organizations in Kenya. The Government remains committed to provide the necessary support to ensure that this process is inclusive and consultative.

Fulfilling H.E. President William Ruto’s promise, we are transitioning to a future where PBOs operate more transparently, and effectively, ultimately leading to a more organized and impactful sector.

Dr. Raymond Omollo is the Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration