- Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said PBOs, formerly known as NGOs, play a great role in complementing development efforts
- He said the law promotes partnership and collaboration between the government and the private sector
Following the fulfilment of the Kenya Kwanza government’s promise to operationalise the Public Benefits Organizations (PBO) Act, the Ministry of Interior says the Government is keen to have the Act fully implemented within a reasonably short time.
The new law provides a comprehensive and transparent framework for the registration and regulation of civil society groups.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said PBOs, formerly known as NGOs, play a great role in complementing development efforts.
He said the law promotes partnership and collaboration between the government and the private sector.
He spoke during the closing ceremony of a three-day PBO Act Implementation Consultative Forum in Elementaita.
“We all appreciate that the government’s economic transformation agenda must succeed and this can only happen with the support of various stakeholders, including PBOs,” Omollo said.
The Act came into effect in May 14 after it was gazetted by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.
It provides an environment that promotes a more organised, transparent and impactful PBO sector.
Under the Act, the public will have easy access to information on PBOs and their funds.
“On behalf of the Board, I want to reaffirm our commitment to implementing the PBO Act. We are dedicated to ensuring that the implementation process is inclusive, leaving no one behind," said Public Benefit Organizations Regulatory Authority chairperson, Mwambu Mabongah.
"The active participation and cooperation of everyone involved is crucial for the success of this initiative.”
The Act is expected to promote faster registration of PBOs to address humanitarian crise such as the floods.
“The PBO Act was developed through extensive consultations, and it is crucial that we maintain this spirit of collaboration during its implementation," said Public Benefit Organizations Regulatory Authority CEO Mutuma Nkanata.
"I assure you that we are fully committed to implementing the act and call on all our stakeholders to join us in this vital task.”
All agencies under the Act are urged to understand their respective mandates and develop individual and joint roadmaps for successful implementation.
The implementation process should be all-inclusive and consultative. Anygaps in the law should also be addressed in a consultative manner.
Ministry of Interior is expected to provide the necessary support to all stakeholders for successful and full implementation of the Act.