Introduction
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in society, especially in addressing social and development issues. In 2018, the government made amendments to the regulations governing NGOs in the country. The aim was to enhance transparency and accountability in the operations of NGOs. In this article, we will explore the changes brought about by the Non-Governmental Organizations (Amendments) Regulations of 2018.
Registration of NGOs
One of the significant changes introduced by the amendments is the requirement for NGOs to register with the government. This means that all NGOs operating in the country must be registered and obtain a certificate of registration from the government. The registration process involves submitting various documents, including the organization’s constitution, board members’ details, and the organization’s objectives.
Reporting Requirements
The amendments also introduced reporting requirements for NGOs. All registered NGOs must submit annual reports to the government detailing their activities and financial statements. This requirement is aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in the operations of NGOs.
Funding of NGOs
The regulations also introduced changes in the funding of NGOs. The government requires all NGOs to disclose their sources of funding and how they use the funds. The aim is to prevent money laundering and ensure that NGOs operate within the law. The government also requires NGOs to open bank accounts in the country where they operate, making it easier to monitor their financial transactions.
Board Members and Governance
The amendments also introduced changes in the governance of NGOs. NGOs must have a board of directors responsible for overseeing the organization’s operations. The board members must be Kenyan citizens and have no criminal records. The amendments also require NGOs to have a code of conduct that governs their operations.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The regulations introduced penalties for NGOs that fail to comply with the new requirements. NGOs that do not register with the government or fail to submit annual reports risk having their operations suspended or terminated. NGOs that provide false information or fail to disclose their sources of funding are also subject to penalties.
Impact on NGOs
The amendments have had a significant impact on NGOs operating in the country. Some NGOs have struggled to meet the new requirements, especially the registration process. The reporting requirements have also put a strain on some organizations, especially those with limited resources. However, the changes have also brought about positive changes, such as enhanced transparency and accountability in the operations of NGOs.
Conclusion
The Non-Governmental Organizations (Amendments) Regulations of 2018 are aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in the operations of NGOs. The amendments have introduced new requirements for NGOs, such as registration, reporting, and governance. Although the changes have had an impact on NGOs operating in the country, they have also brought about positive changes. NGOs must comply with the new requirements to continue operating in the country.
