By KPC Reporter
The government has extended by one year the transition period for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to register under the Public Benefits Organizations (PBO) Act, providing civil society groups with additional time to comply with the new legal framework.
According to a special issue of the Kenya Gazette, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen approved the extension under Legal Notice No. 85 of the Public Benefits Organizations Act (Cap. 134).
The notice states that the extension takes effect from May 14, 2026, and allows NGOs additional time to seek registration as Public Benefits Organizations under the Act.
“It is notified for the general information of the public that… the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration further extends by one year the period within which a non-government organization shall seek registration as a public benefits organization under the Act,” the gazette notice reads.
Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo said the extension is aimed at ensuring a smoother and more effective transition within the sector.
“The extension grants NGOs additional time to align with the Act’s requirements and complete their conversion into Public Benefits Organizations,” Omollo said in a statement.
He noted that the move is expected to ease compliance pressures facing many organizations while strengthening accountability and operational stability in the civil society sector.
“This move is expected to ease compliance pressures within the sector, ensure a smoother regulatory transition and enhance accountability and operational stability among civil society organizations,” he added.
The Public Benefits Organizations Act was enacted to streamline the regulation and coordination of NGOs and charitable organizations operating in Kenya by introducing a new governance and accountability framework.
The latest extension means organizations that had not yet completed the transition process will continue operating under the extended compliance window as the government pushes for full implementation of the law.