16/08/2025
To register an NGO in Kenya, you need to follow a process that includes name reservation, document preparation, application submission, and verification. This involves obtaining the necessary forms, drafting the NGO's constitution, gathering identification and clearance documents for officials, and paying the required fees. The application is then submitted to the NGO Coordination Board for review and approval.
Step-by-step process:
1. Name Search and Reservation:
Submit Form 2 to the NGO Coordination Board to search and reserve a name for your organization.
Pay the required fee (Ksh 1,000) for the name search and reservation.
2. Document Preparation:
Form 1: This form outlines the organization's contact details, the names and details of the top three officials, and the charitable objectives.
Form 3: This is the detailed application form for registration.
NGO Constitution: Prepare a constitution that outlines the NGO's objectives, operating procedures, and compliance with Kenyan law.
Minutes of the First Meeting: Minutes from the initial meeting where members agreed to establish the NGO and its objectives.
Personal Documents: Include copies of IDs/passports and KRA PIN certificates for all officials and board members.
Certificates of Good Conduct: Obtain police clearance certificates (or equivalent for foreigners) for all officials.
Passport-sized photos: Provide passport-sized photos of the officials and board members.
Address of the Organization: Include a physical address, postal address, phone numbers, and email for the organization.
Budget: Prepare a proposed one-year budget for the NGO.
3. Application Submission:
Submit the completed application forms, along with all supporting documents, to the NGO Coordination Board.
Pay the required fees for the application (Ksh 400 for forms 1 and 3).
4. Verification and Approval:
The NGO Coordination Board will review the application and conduct necessary verifications.
If the application is approved, the organization will receive a Certificate of Registration.
Important Considerations:
At least one-third of the board members must be Kenyan citizens for foreign-based organizations .
The registration process can take some time: due to the vetting process, especially for foreign-based organizations.
After registration, NGOs must file annual returns: with the NGO Coordination Board.