Starting a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Kenya is one of the most impactful ways to make a difference, whether in education, health, environment, community empowerment, or human rights. But registering your NGO properly is key to unlocking funding, credibility, and long-term sustainability.
At Makabe Consulting, we help aspiring founders and donors navigate NGO registration every day. This practical guide gives you the complete process, required documents, official fees, and compliance obligations under Kenyan law in 2026.
An NGO is a private, voluntary, non-profit organization established to promote public benefit objectives such as development, education, healthcare, environment, or social justice.
Once registered under the Public Benefit Organizations (PBO) Act , now fully operational and replacing the old NGO Coordination Act, your NGO becomes a legal entity that can:
Registration also enhances your credibility with donors, partners, and government institutions.
Before anything else, you must reserve your NGO name through the NGO Coordination Board portal on ecitizen.go.ke.
Makabe Tip: Avoid generic or one-word names. Add location or theme identifiers e.g., Mama Masai Women & Community Trust, to increase approval chances.
Having all your documents ready before the application helps prevent long delays. The NGO Coordination Board requires the following:
Submit a constitution clearly defining:
Objectives and mission
Membership structure
Governance and management roles
Rules on meetings and decision-making
Each page must be initialed by an official, and the execution page signed by all proposed officers and board members.
A minimum of five officials (three officers + two board members) is required. For each:
For foreign members, notarized police clearance certificates and valid immigration permits are mandatory.
Include minutes from your founding meeting approving NGO registration and electing interim officials. The minutes must record the specific resolution to register.
Extra for International NGOs:
Submit your fully prepared application either through the NGO Board desk or online via the eCitizen portal. Upload all forms and supporting documents, then pay the applicable fees:
| NGO Type | Registration Fee | Name Reservation |
|---|---|---|
| Local / National NGO | KES 16,000 | KES 1,000 |
| International NGO | KES 30,000 | KES 1,000 |
Confirm the most current charges at ngoboard.ecitizen.go.ke.
Additional Costs to Expect:
After submission, the NGO Coordination Board reviews the documents and may request clarifications (for example, proof of office location or MoUs with donors).
If approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Registration, officially granting your NGO legal status to operate in Kenya.
Average timelines: 3 to 5 months, depending on document completeness and workload at the Board.
Your responsibilities don’t end once you’re registered. Staying compliant protects your NGO’s status and credibility.
Non-compliance can lead to deregistration, penalties, or donor suspension.
Q: Can I register my NGO fully online?
Yes. The NGO Board offers online application via eCitizen, though physical document submission may still be required for signatures and verification.
Q: How many people are needed to start an NGO?
You need a minimum of five officials, three principal officers and two board members.
Q: Are police clearances mandatory?
Yes. All local officials must present Certificates of Good Conduct; foreign officials provide notarized
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