The Inua Jamii, Sonko Rescue Team, and Sakaja Foundation are among 2,802 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that will lose their licenses in 15 days.
According to a Gazette notice issued by Lindon Nicolas, the CEO of the Public Benefit Organisations Regulatory Authority, the NGOs violated some of their licensing terms. This Authority was formed after President William Ruto operationalised the Public Benefit Organisations Act 2013 (PBO Act) in May.
The law had been gathering dust for nearly a decade. Nicolas, in the notice dated Thursday, December 5, asserted that the “cancellation of the said certificates shall take effect in 15 days.” The notice lists all 2,802 NGOs.
According to the notice, the Inua Jamii Programme, a government cash transfer initiative aimed at reducing poverty among vulnerable groups, including orphans, older persons (70+ years), and people with severe disabilities, is also set to lose its license. The programme according to the government, supports about 1.75 million people every year.
The government-backed programme launched in 2004 is said to have defaulted for eight years.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja's Sakaja Johnson Foundation is also in the crosshairs of the regulator. According to PBO, the foundation has defaulted for one year.
The other one that has attracted our attention is the Sonko Rescue Team. This is a private initiative started by former Nairobi Governor, Mike Sonko, to provide emergency services and social support in Nairobi.
It offers ambulance services, putting out infernos, clean water distribution, and aid to the underprivileged. It’s funded privately and operates alongside local government services. According to the notice, Sonko’s foundation has defaulted for six years.
Another NGO on the list is the Mo Farah Foundation. Founded by Olympic champion Mo Farah, this organisation focuses on improving access to clean water, education, and healthcare, particularly in Somalia and Ethiopia. The foundation is said to have defaulted for ten years.
The Kenya Heart and Lung Centre (KHLC) is an organisation focused on addressing cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, a growing concern in Kenya due to increasing cases of non-communicable diseases like hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary conditions. It is involved in prevention, treatment, research, and advocacy for heart and lung health.
Other NGOs listed include Elimu Centre, Apollo Foundation, Lenana Foundation Trust, International Cancer Institute Foundation, and Saint Martins Hope Foundation.
The list also has Maendeleo Ya Wanaume Organisation, Life Connect Kenya, Tom Ross Foundation, Agape Ministries International, Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, and Crescent Kenya.
The National Organisation of Women Teachers, Lornah Kiplagat Foundation, Sagana Conservancy, World Relief for Disabled Persons, and National Alliance of Orphans and Women in Kenya are also part of the list.
Diva Kenya, Green Alliance Foundation, Skiza Kenya, Goodwill Foundation, Wildlife Foundation Kenya, Early Cancer Care and Detection Centre, Umoja East Africa Fund-Kenya, and Uwezo Africa.
The deregistration of the NGOs comes six months after President William Ruto operationalised the Public Benefit Organisations Act 2013 (PBO Act). The law had been gathering dust for nearly a decade.
The new law that NGOs had been pushing for is meant to allow the bodies an easier time registering and enjoying tax exemptions.
Under the Act, the board of the PBO Authority has functions that include registering and de-registering NGOs, advising the government on their activities and role in national development, maintaining the register, and ensuring compliance with statutory obligations.
