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On October 24, 2024, the Public Benefit Organisation Regulatory Authority (PBO ActORA), with support from USAID Kenya, KCDF, and UNDP Kenya, convened a consultative working group meeting to discuss the regulations of the Public Benefits Organisation Act.
The meeting brought together representatives from 35 civil society organizations (CSOs) ahead of the upcoming co-creation workshops scheduled for October 30, 2024.
Mr. Lindon Nicolas, Acting Director General of PBORA, underscored the pressing need for the implementation of the PBO Act 2013. He pointed out that there are only seven months left until the transition period, during which the regulations must be finalized through public participation, drafting, parliamentary tabling, and subsequent gazettement, following the legal requirement of the Act. This urgency should be felt by all stakeholders, compelling them to act promptly.
He stressed the importance of a coordinated technical working group and collaboration among CSOs and funding partners to implement the Act effectively.
Grace Maingi, Executive Director of KCDF, commended the CSOs’ collective effort and noted that the operationalization of the Act represents a significant milestone. She highlighted the potential for CSOs to generate income and emphasized KCDF’s partnership with USAID in promoting awareness of the Act and its regulations across the Kenyan civil society landscape.
Kimberly Ludwig, Director of the Office of the Director of Democracy, Governance, Peace, and Security (DGPS) at USAID, praised the government for its dedication to enacting the PBO Act earlier this year, describing it as a major step toward enhancing accountability, transparency, and development within Kenyan civil society.
She reaffirmed the critical roles each stakeholder must play in ensuring the successful implementation of the Act.
The meeting emphasized the key agenda moving forward: Fostering collaboration among stakeholders to support PBO implementation and enhancing awareness of the PBO Act regulations among communities and civil society organizations to ensure effective transition of the sector.
