State’s efforts to block law on NGO regulation ill advised

In August 2010, Kenyans promulgated a Constitution lauded as one of the most progressive in the world. It was an expression of a collective dedication to inclusiveness, transparency, democracy, freedom, accountability and respect for the rule of law and human rights. And a key constituent in the fight for constitutional reforms in Kenya has been the civil society.

Civil society groups, including NGOs, remain a critical voice in defending the rights of all Kenyans. During his tenure, former President Mwai Kibaki assented to the Public Benefits Organisations (PBO) Act of 2013 in keeping with the promise to regulate NGOs. The law was to establish a transparent regulatory and institutional framework within which Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) can operate.