NGOs & Development Partners

NGO and development-sector lawyers for international development organisations, foundations and humanitarian agencies operating in Kenya. We advise on NGO and PBO registration, NGO Coordination Board compliance, grant and donor agreements, employment and expatriate immigration, data protection, and local procurement — the recurring legal workload of running a compliant programme office in Kenya.

Relevant expertise: Corporate & Commercial; Employment & Labour; Immigration; Data Protection & Privacy; Tax

How we help. We act for international development organisations, foundations and humanitarian agencies on NGO and PBO registration, NGO Coordination Board compliance, grant and donor agreements, employment and expatriate immigration, data protection, local procurement, and tax and exemption matters — the recurring legal workload of running a compliant programme office in Kenya.

Why OLM for NGOs and development partners. Development organisations operate under intense donor-compliance and regulatory scrutiny while managing diverse, often international, teams. We provide one team that keeps registration, grants, people and data compliant, so programme staff can focus on delivery rather than legal administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between NGO and PBO registration in Kenya? NGOs register under the NGO Coordination Act with the NGO Coordination Board; the Public Benefit Organizations Act provides a newer framework with tax and governance implications. We advise on which suits the organisation and handle the registration.

Can an NGO employ foreign staff in Kenya? Yes, with appropriate work permits, and subject to compliance with employment and immigration law. We coordinate permits and compliant employment terms for international staff.

How do I register an NGO in Kenya? NGOs register with the NGO Coordination Board under the NGO Coordination Act, while the PBO Act provides an alternative framework. We advise on the route and register.

What is the difference between an NGO and a PBO? Both are not-for-profit but sit under different statutory frameworks with different governance and tax implications. We advise on which fits the organisation.

What compliance does the NGO Coordination Board require? Annual reporting, governance and activity compliance under the NGO Coordination Act. We manage ongoing compliance.

How are grant and donor agreements structured? They address scope, milestones, reporting, audit and compliance obligations. We negotiate and document grant agreements.

What employment rules apply to NGOs? NGOs follow the Employment Act and must manage local and expatriate staff compliantly. We advise on NGO employment.

How do NGOs bring in expatriate staff? Through work permits coordinated with employment structuring. We manage immigration for development organisations.

What data-protection obligations do NGOs have? NGOs processing personal data are subject to the Data Protection Act, including ODPC registration where applicable. We build compliance.

How is local procurement handled by NGOs? Through donor-compliant procurement policies balancing value, transparency and donor rules. We advise on procurement frameworks.

What tax and exemption issues affect NGOs? NGOs may access tax exemptions subject to qualification and compliance. We advise on exemption applications and tax structure.

What governance do NGOs need? A compliant board, constitution and policies meeting statutory and donor expectations. We advise on NGO governance.

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