REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR A NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATION IN KENYA

A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) is a private voluntary grouping of individuals or associations, not operated for profit or for other commercial purposes but which have organized themselves nationally or internationally for the benefit of the public at large and for the promotion of social welfare, development charity or research in the areas inclusive of, but not restricted to, health, relief, agriculture, education, industry and the supply of amenities and services.

There are two types of NGOs registered in Kenya under Non-governmental organizations co-ordination Act no. 19 of 1990; International NGO with the original incorporation in one or more countries other than Kenya, but operating within Kenya under a certificate of registration and National NGO which is registered exclusively in Kenya with authority to operate within or Kenya.

The registration of an NGO in Kenya typically begins with a name search. The Applicant makes a request to the NGOs Board proposing three (3) names by which the organization could be named.
A name search is then conducted at a fee after which a name is then reserved. Once this has been done, the Applicant can then file a formal application for registration via the eCitizen portal.

The requirements for registration include;

1. 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 should not be more than six (6) months Old.
2. 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.
3. A list of other board members.
4. Contact details of the proposed organization.
5. 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.
6. Details of the three (3) top officials.
7. At least One third (1⁄3) of all the board members must be Kenyan for all foreign based organizations.
8. Duly filled Form 1 stating the organization’s contact person.
9. Minutes authorizing the filing of the application with a specific agenda and resolution.
10. Proposed one-year budget.
11. The charitable objectives of the organization.
12. Two colored passport size photographs, on a white background, of the proposed 3 top officials and two other board members.
13. The application must be accompanied with a forwarding cover letter.
14. The application must contain original signatures of the three officials and board members of the NGO as applicable.
15. The application should either be typed or filled in block letters.

Registration fees 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.

Additionally, 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.

HOW CAN GND CONSULT HELP?

At GND Consult, we will assist in the preparation of all required documentation and assist in lodging the application up until acquisition of the certificate. We will also assist the client with all the post-registration compliance matters. For more information do not hesitate to contact us.

📞 +254 702 001 770
📧 info@gndconsultants.com
🌐 www.gndconsultants.com