Local and International NGO Registration in Kenya

The procedures for both local and International  NGO registration are similar, apart from that in registering a  International NGO additional requirements, are needed to the satisfaction of the NGO coordination Board.

How to Start an NGO in Kenya:

• Among the top three officials, one of them MUST be a Kenyan as a basic requirement for all International based NGOs.
• Another requirement for an NGO to be registered, is that it would have to demonstrate an act of public good that it will benefit and improve the lives of the population and the citizens’

NGO Registration Requirements in Kenya

Information Required

• The Line Ministry under which the objectives fall
• Work plan for first year of operation
• Itemized Budget for First year of Operation
• Comprehensive organizational chart
• Memorandum of Understanding between the organization and the donors (If any)
• In case of an organization registering a branch of an organization already registered locally or overseas

Procedure of Registering of an NGO in Kenya:

• Before an application for registration is lodged, the applicant should submit the name search of the NGO in a prescribed form 2 for approval from the Director of the Non-Governmental Organizations Board.
• Submit a duly completed form to the Registry for conducting the search.
• The registry will conduct search and recommend the reservation.
• Submission of reserved name to the Programs Manager for approval.
• Submit Form 3 to register the NGO after the name has been approved
• A notification of location of the office and the postal address of the proposed organization Form 1 to be signed by the three top officials of that proposed organization.
• The application for registration will be submitted by Briantony International Consultants to the appropriate office.

Contact by email or call us at +254114503453 to start the process

Documents Required in NGO Registration:

• A letter addressed to the Executive Director requesting for registration.
• Duly completed NGO Form 3 (three copies) in original Forms.
• Duly completed NGO Form 1 (one copy stating organization’s contact person).
• Two recent colored passport size photographs of three proposed officials and two other board members with the names of the three proposed officials and the two board members and organization written at the back
• Copy of Name Reservation Form (NGO Form 2) duly approved and paid for
• The Constitution of the proposed NGO / INGO (filed in Triplicate) and signed by both the proposed 3 officials and LISTING AT LEAST TWO (2) other board members (all the 3 constitutions MUST be signed by all the proposed board members on the execution page and by at least one of the proposed officials on each and every page
• Minutes authorizing the filing of the application with a specific agenda and resolution to register the organization as an NGO with the NGOS Registration board
• A notification of location of the office and the postal address of the proposed organization (NGO Form 1).

Additional requirements for International NGO registration:

• The organization has to furnish the constitutions of its other branches around the world.
• One out of three officials of the Kenya branch must be a Kenyan citizen.
• The officials must be of outstanding and unquestionable character and conform with NGO laws in Kenya

We also offer CBO registration in Kenya, NGO bureau Kenya, NGO constitution sample Kenya, registering a foundation in Kenya, NGO annual return form 14 and Prototype constitution of an NGO-KENYA services.

Another form of registering a foundation or Trust is by Company Limited by Guarantee which registration vehicle for Non profits in Kenya

We also provide basic training on how to start an NGO in Kenya

How long does it take to register an NGO in Kenya?

It will take an estimated time of two months to complete the whole registration process.  The NGO Council will send you an acknowledgement letter, upon receipt of your application. A registration certificate will be issued once your application meets the requirements set out in  the Nonprofit Organisations Act, 1997.

NGO Coordination Board Kenya

The Non Governmental Organizations Co-ordination Board is a State Corporation constituted by the Non-Governmental Organizations Co-ordination Act (Cap 19) of 1990. The Board is responsible of the regulation and enablement of the NGO sector in Kenya. The NGOs Co-ordination Board commenced its operations in 1992 and is now under the Ministry of Interior and Co-ordination of National Government.

To be specific, the NGOs Co-ordination Board responsibilities include among others registering, facilitating and coordinating all Local and international NGOs that has their operations in Kenya; advising the government on their contribution to national development; giving policy guidelines for NGOs to line up their undertakings with national priorities and to receive and to analyze NGO’s annual reports.