Comprehensive Guide to NGO Registration in Kenya
A Non-Profit Organization (NGO) is an entity that is independent of government influence and is typically on a mission to address a social or political issue. In Kenya, NGO registration in Kenya is regulated and enabled by the NGO’s Coordination Board, which is a state corporation. It derives its mandate from the Non-Governmental Organizations Co-ordination Act (Cap 19) of 1990. Apart from the board’s mandate of facilitating and coordinating International and National NGOs operating in Kenya, its other core mandate is the registration of NGOs in Kenya.
The first process in NGO registration in Kenya is conducting a name search. This is done by filling out a reservation form, proposing three priority names for the organization, and paying the requisite fee. This takes approximately one day to process and present results. Once the name is approved, the board reserves the name for a period of 60 days.
Once the name search stage has been conducted, the NGO registration process in Kenya commences by writing a cover letter requesting registration and paying the requisite fee. The registration process should be completed within 90 days from the date of payment of the aforementioned fees. If the registration is not completed within the stipulated 90 days, the customer is informed of the delay by the board.
Essential Requirements for NGO Registration in Kenya
The requirements for registration include;
- A copy of a valid police clearance (certificate of Good Conduct including the finger prints and receipts) for Kenyans, and equivalent notarized clearance certificates for foreigners from their countries of origin which are not be more than six (6) months Old.
- A draft constitution of the proposed NGO, which must be signed by the proposed three (3) top officials and the two (2) board members. Two (2) copies should be signed by all the proposed board members on the execution page, and by at least one of the proposed officials on each page.
- A list of other board members.
- Contact details of the proposed organization.
- Copies of IDs/Passports and KRA PIN Certificates for the proposed officials and Board members. Please note that at least One third (1/3) of all the board members should be Kenyan for all foreign based NGOs.
- Details of the 3 top officials.
- Information stating the organization’s contact person.
- Minutes authorizing the filing of the application with a specific agenda and resolution.
- Proposed one year budget.
- The charitable objectives of the organization.
- Two colored passport size photographs, on a white background, of the proposed 3 top officials and two other board members.
Registration fees for the NGO may vary depending on the nature of the organization whether it is national or international. An organization with a previous registration certificate is required to produce a notarized copy of the certificate accompanied by a letter from its board of directors authorizing its registration. Finally, if the organization had been registered under any other law in Kenya, a certificate of dissolution from the registering Authority MUST be presented to the board or the board must be notified of the same registration for its acceptance.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is intended for general legal advice and does not constitute legal advice for a specific transaction or case. Since each transaction represents a unique legal context, it is advisable to retain a legal adviser for specific transactions.
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