NGO Registration in Kenya is another form of entity that may be registered in Kenya where the applicant is desirous of operating as a non-profit, voluntary citizens’ group which is organized on a local, national, or international level. Task-oriented and driven by people with a common interest, NGOs perform a variety of service and humanitarian functions, bring citizen concerns to Governments, advocate and monitor policies, and encourage political participation through provision of information. (ngo.org).

The Non-Governmental Organizations Co-ordination Board is a State Corporation established with the responsibility of regulating and enabling the NGO sector in Kenya. The NGOs Co-ordination Board is under the Ministry of Interior and Co-ordination of the National Government.

Recommended reading: Business registration in Kenya

Specifically, NGO Registration in Kenya is administered by the Co-ordination Board. The board is responsible for facilitating and coordinating all national and international NGOs operating in Kenya; advising the government on their contribution to national development; providing policy guidelines for NGOs to align their activities with national priorities and receiving and analyzing NGOs annual reports.

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As opposed to the other forms of business registrations, non-governmental organizations are not registered by the Registrar General but the NGOs Co-ordination Board, the Board is responsible for registering, facilitating and coordinating all national and international NGOs operating in Kenya.

The following are the steps and requirements need to register an NGO in Kenya:

1. Applicant is to carry out a name search on at least two proposed names intended for the NGO to confirm its availability. The reservation form is available on the online platform and the reservation takes a day for approval.

• Registration: Upon approval of either of the alternative names submitted for approval, the following documents are required to process the registration of the NGO:
• Duly filled Form 1 and 3;
• Approved copy of Form 2;
• Cover letter requesting for registration of the NGO;
• Two colored passport size photographs or each of the proposed officials;
• Copies of the ID or passports of each of the proposed officials;
• Copy of a valid police clearance (certificate of Good Conduct including the fingerprints and receipts) for Kenyans.  Equivalent notarized clearance certificate for foreigners from their Country of Origin (MUST not be more than six (6) months old);
• Three copies of the constitution signed by 3 top officials;
• Minutes authorizing the filing of the application with a specific agenda and resolution to register the organization as an NGO with the NGOs Board.;
• Proposed one-year budget;
• Original signatures of the officials and members as applicable should also be presented during the application; and
• 2 copies of the Constitution of the proposed NGO/INGO signed by both the proposed three (3) officials and the two (2) board members.

        In addition, the following points must be taken into consideration during registration:

• There should be a Kenyan among the 3 top three officials when registering an International NGO;
• At least One third (1/3) of all the board members MUST be Kenyan for all foreign-based NGOs;
• The NGO would have to demonstrate an act of public good that it will benefit and improve the lives of the population and the citizens of Kenya.

• Issuance of Certificate: Upon approval of the registration by the Board, the applicant is issued a Certificate of Registration of the NGO which further serves as documentary evidence that the NGO has been duly registered.

Every NGO ought to register with the Kenya Revenue Authority and get a PIN. This is to ascertain that they are compliant with the relevant and applicable taxes.

Many NGOs depend on donor funds and mostly do not engage in income-generating activities that would require tax payment. However, they are subject to tax under certain circumstances like when they engage in activities that generate profit.

Below are some of the operational Non-Governmental Organizations in Kenya:

1. Kenyan Heart National Foundation;
2. Engender Health Ltd;
3. Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International;
4. International Rescue Committee;
5. Kenyan Human Rights Commission (KHRC);
6. Housing Finance Foundation;
7. World Vision;
8. KOMAZA.