The launch of Talk To Your Regulator - Kenya Chapter (#T2RKenya) marks a significant milestone in enhancing Non Profit Organization (NPO) sector governance and fostering an enabling civic space across Africa through cultivating trust between regulators and NPOs. This groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) in partnership with the Civic Advisory Hub, Public Benefits Organizations Regulatory Authority (PBORA), Kenya NPO Working Group on FATF, and the Civic Freedoms Forum (CFF), sets the stage for more transparent, inclusive, and collaborative regulation of NPOs in Kenya.
Balancing Regulation and Collaboration
One of the key themes addressed during the launch was the need to harmonize regulation with collaboration. Walid Kassim, Executive Director of MUHURI, emphasized that while regulatory measures are necessary, they must not hinder the essential work of Public Benefit Organizations (PBOs). He advocated for continued dialogue and partnerships through #T2R, a platform designed to facilitate constructive communication between regulators and NPOs. This approach aims to foster trust while ensuring compliance with legal standards.
Paving the Way for Continental Impact
Civic Advisory Hub's Executive Director, Yona Wanjala underscored the importance of #T2R, highlighting it as a crucial platform for civic space actors to actively shape the narrative through engagement, open-door diplomacy, and advocacy. He noted that the initiative has already achieved significant progress in Uganda and Zimbabwe, expressing optimism that these successes will soon extend across the rest of the continent.
Regulatory Harmonization
The Director General of PBORA, Dr. Laxmana Kiptoo committed to continued dialogue and collaboration, including co-developing simplified, user-friendly compliance guidelines and toolkits with the sector. Adding that; "We are shifting from suspicion to trust, from confusion to clarity. The #T2RKenya redefines our relationship with civil society, fostering regulatory harmony and eliminating duplication. Dr. Kiptoo also shared that PBORA is actively harmonizing PBO Act, 2013 regulations to enable PBOs better align with the updated legal framework, safeguarding both compliance and operational efficiency of PBOs.
Towards a Collaborative Future
The #T2RKenya launch is not just a one-time event but the beginning of an ongoing conversation. As the initiative progresses, the focus remains on reinforcing governance practices that protect civic space while ensuring accountability and compliance.
This launch underscores the critical need for balanced regulatory frameworks that not only secure legal compliance but also empower NPOs to continue their transformative work within communities. #T2RKenya is a call to action—one that advocates for a future where regulation and civic engagement coexist harmoniously.