Registration Process of a Community Based Organization (CBO) In KENYA

 

What is a Community Based Organization in kenya?

A community based organization (CBO) is a registered non-governmental, non-profit and non-political organization that works at the local level to address the needs and interests of a specific community. The key characteristics of a community based organization in Kenya are;

  • Registered: CBOs must be formally registered with the Department of Gender and Social Development under the Community Group Registration Act 2022.
  • Non-Governmental: While they may collaborate with government agencies, CBOs operate independently.
  • Non-Profit: CBOs don’t aim to make a profit.Their primary goal is community development
  • Non-Political: CBOs should not be affiliated with any political party or engage in political activities.
  • Local Focus: CBOs operate at the grassroots level, serving a specific geographic community or a particular segment within that community (e.g., youth, women, etc.).
  • Community Driven: CBOs are typically initiated and managed by members of the community they serve. This ensures the organization addresses genuine local needs and priorities.

Community based organizations (CBOs) vary in size and structure, ranging from small, informal groups to larger, more structured organizations. They address diverse issues such as health, education, environmental conservation, economic empowerment, and social welfare.

In Kenya, The Department of Gender and Social Development oversees the registration of community based organizations (CBOs) under the Community Group Registration Act 2022, which provides a legal framework for their operation. This registration grants them formal recognition, enabling access to resources and partnerships to enhance their community impact.

 

The requirements for registration of a Community based organization (CBO) 

  1. Name Search: Ensure the chosen name for the CBO is unique and available for registration.
  2. Meeting Minutes: Include the minutes from the meeting where the decision to register the CBO was made and officials were elected. These minutes must be attached to the application form.
  3. Member List: Provide a list of all members, including their names, positions, ID numbers, mobile numbers, and signatures. This list must be attached to the application form.
  4. Constitution: Submit a copy of the CBO’s constitution along with the application form.
  5. ID Copies: Attach copies of the identification documents for all members.
  6. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): If the CBO is being formed through the amalgamation of several groups, include an MOU.
  7. Original Certificates: Attach the original certificates of the affiliate groups involved in the amalgamation.
  8. Registration Fee: Pay the approved registration fee.

Step-by-Step Registration Process of a community based organization

  1. Create an eCitizen Account:
  2. Name Search:
    • Submit a name search request to ensure your chosen name is unique.
  3. Pre-Registration Training:
    • Attend the mandatory training session conducted by the State Department for Social Protection.
  4. Gather Required Documents:
    • Prepare all necessary documents, including the meeting minutes, member list, and by-laws.
  5. Submit Application:
    • Complete the registration process online through the eCitizen portal.
  6. Pay Registration Fee:
    • Pay the required fee through the designated payment methods.

CBO registration is now online. Therefore, members need to have an ecitizen account in order to complete the registration.

Post registration requirements

After registration, the community-based organization must adhere to the following requirements;

  • The community based organization has to renew the certificate annually.
  • Submit quarterly progress reports to the Registering Authority.
  • Grant access of its records to the Registering Authority upon request.
Benefits of registering a community based organization in kenya

Registering a CBO in Kenya provides several benefits, including access to funding, increased credibility, and support from both government and non-governmental organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long does the registration process take?

A: The process typically takes a few weeks, depending on the completeness of the submitted documents.

Q: What is the difference between a CBO and an NGO?

A: A CBO is smaller and focuses on local-community issues, and it’s run by community members to address specific community needs. An NGO on the other hand operates on a broader scale, and works at national or international levels. it has formal structures and receives funding from external sources like international donors, governments, or corporate sponsors.

Ready to register your Community-Based Organization? Contact Briantony International Consultancy for professional assistance and ensure a smooth registration process.

 

31 comments

  • Avatar for rashid abdalla
    rashid abdalla

    July 21, 2016 at 11:00 am

    how much is needed for registration process

    Reply

    • Avatar for ANthony Njuguna
      ANthony Njuguna

      July 25, 2016 at 11:49 pm

      Thanks for your enquiry,
      The following are the requirements for registration of a CBO.
      1. Fill the CBO registration form and have it signed by; the chief of the location where the CBO will be operating from or the assistant chief, the department of gender and social services and the Division social development committee.
      2. Provide Minutes of the meeting seeking registration and showing elected officials.
      3. Provide the CBOs BY-LAWS/RULES.
      4. Amalgamation-Memorandum of Understanding where applicable.
      5. The form and the requirements are submitted to the District gender and social development committee.
      6. Once registered the certificate shall be renewed annually.
      7. Once the group is registered it shall be required to submit half year progress report to the registering authority.
      8. The CBO must allow accessibility of its records to the registering authority on demand.
      9. The CBO shall pay approved registration fee.

      We charge a reasonable fee of Kshs 30000 for the whole process including preparation of the constitution.
      Please let me know when we can start the process
      Kind regards

      Reply

      • Avatar for Cleo
        Cleo

        March 7, 2022 at 6:54 am

        Is there any procedure required where one of the members is not a citizen.

        Reply

    • Avatar for ANthony Njuguna
      ANthony Njuguna

      August 30, 2016 at 9:20 am

      I replied. When are you starting the registration process

      Reply

  • Avatar for Maya Ndubai
    Maya Ndubai

    August 17, 2016 at 8:25 am

    Dear Anthony,

    we are a group of about a thousand women from TIgania west having been engaged into various agricultural activities and now we would like to merge the 15 groups into a CBO whereby our primarily activity will be to empower financially our members through loans that are subsidized! Could you kindly guide us through the process I would appreciate it very much!

    In case you need any clarification please contact me 0717700528

    Many thanks,

    Maya

    Reply

    • Avatar for ANthony Njuguna
      ANthony Njuguna

      August 30, 2016 at 9:18 am

      We talked. Contact Anthony at +254) 712 107 233

      Reply

  • Avatar for Okirga Pius
    Okirga Pius

    September 1, 2016 at 8:06 pm

    Thank for the informantion.

    Reply

  • Avatar for Emongonyang Pius Gideon
    Emongonyang Pius Gideon

    September 1, 2016 at 8:54 pm

    Hello Anthony Am a student of Social Works and Community Development at Africa College of Aviation and Management (ACAM) Here in Nairobi. ADM No. CD002F2/035/15. Please help me and explain the following. 1 . The history, advantages and disadvantages of CBO’S in Kenya ?. 2 . Why should the Goverment encourage the formantion of CBO’s ?. 3 . The problems/short comings that are associated with CBO’s in Kenya ?. 4. Where do thise CBO’s get their funds/who funds this CBO’s ?. 5. The main goals of CBO’s in Kenya ?. 6. Why are CBO’s formed/Reason’s to the formantion of CBO’s ?. 7.Why are few CBO’s in Kenya ?. 8. Examples of CBO’s In Kenya and what they do. 9. Are there some CBO’s in Busia County what about Turkan(like which one “atleast 5”) ?. This is my phone no. 0791955565.

    Reply

  • Avatar for okiria
    okiria

    September 4, 2016 at 4:17 pm

    i can’t beleive that my question was been ignored to hell with cbo’s

    Reply

  • Avatar for Ephent Okoth Ongondo
    Ephent Okoth Ongondo

    September 5, 2016 at 6:44 am

    Hi,
    We are planning to register a foundation (Dan Ephent & Lavent Foundation) to care for Widows, Orphaned and the vulnerable children living in the slums and rural areas in Kenya and wider East African region. Kindly reach me via 0715465620 for more discussion on the same. Thanks

    Reply

  • Avatar for Binagwaho Gakunju
    Binagwaho Gakunju

    September 13, 2016 at 6:55 am

    To whom it may concern,

    I am currently mobilizing a group in Mukurweini constituency of Nyeri county to register as a CBO. Once the mobilization is complete, the group may be in need of your services to complete the process. I am spearheading a fundraising campaign for this exercise, but i would like to talk to somebody first to get all the details of the services that Briantony can provide for us to achieve this goal.

    Regards
    Binagwaho

    Reply

  • Avatar for jeroen
    jeroen

    September 17, 2016 at 11:33 am

    Hi,

    I have a few questions regarding cbo’s:

    1. is the registration record publically available? What i mean by that is if it is possible for anyone to find out who is involved in a specific CBO, like board of directors, members and so on

    2. Can the half year progress report be obtained by interested individuals or companies who are not directly involved in a cbo ?

    The reason for asking this is that i am being asked to participate in a specific CBO and i would like to know if the records of this CBO can be obtained and if so how if the CBO does not want to provide extra information.

    Thank you for reading

    Jeroen

    Reply

    • Avatar for Benedicto Cheruiyot
      Benedicto Cheruiyot

      November 26, 2024 at 9:31 pm

      Wish to register a group of 100 youths under CBO arrangements…kindly call 0111387773 to direct me on which office within Nakuru county will assist me
      We have all the requirements ready

      Reply

      • Avatar for editor
        editor

        December 2, 2024 at 4:21 am

        you shall receive a call from us

        Reply

  • Avatar for James
    James

    September 26, 2016 at 9:22 am

    Where can one get the CBO registration forms?

    Reply

  • Avatar for we want to start a c b o in isiolo can we then expand to another county?
    we want to start a c b o in isiolo can we then expand to another county?

    September 27, 2016 at 2:04 pm

    thanks

    Reply

  • Avatar for abdirahman boru jaldesa
    abdirahman boru jaldesa

    September 27, 2016 at 2:07 pm

    thanks for assisting

    Reply

  • Avatar for abdirahman
    abdirahman

    September 27, 2016 at 2:10 pm

    cost of thegestration a c b o in isiolo kenya

    Reply

  • Avatar for Gerry Omulo
    Gerry Omulo

    September 27, 2018 at 9:47 am

    Hello can an organisation registered by the NGO coordination board deregister and register as a CBO/ WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS ?

    Reply

  • Avatar for Beatrice Obodha
    Beatrice Obodha

    October 4, 2018 at 7:54 pm

    I would wish to register a CBO kindly may I have someone to hold my hand and walk with me

    Reply

  • Avatar for Timothy Njoka
    Timothy Njoka

    October 31, 2018 at 1:14 pm

    Kindly give me a contact person I need to register a CBO soon.

    Reply

  • Avatar for Michael mushi
    Michael mushi

    November 5, 2018 at 12:53 pm

    king majanga from arusha in ticd would like you my organizer to directing me on who i could introduced my CBO

    Reply

  • Avatar for sharon
    sharon

    November 14, 2018 at 5:46 am

    hi…i would wish to register a community based organization with our main objective being eradicating fgm,how can i get the forms and how much do you charge for registration?0715053555

    Reply

  • Avatar for Dennis
    Dennis

    November 17, 2018 at 6:21 am

    how much

    Reply

  • Avatar for Wairimu
    Wairimu

    November 17, 2018 at 12:25 pm

    Hello,
    I wish to register a cbo , please send me the requirements and charges.

    Thanks

    Reply

  • Avatar for Valentine Nkoyo
    Valentine Nkoyo

    December 5, 2018 at 9:19 am

    What’s the difference between a small and big CBO in Kenya please?

    Reply

  • Avatar for john wambugu kanyungu
    john wambugu kanyungu

    December 10, 2018 at 2:51 pm

    I intend to open an NGO or CBO kindly advice call 0725646070

    Reply

  • Avatar for Paul Sadera
    Paul Sadera

    May 27, 2020 at 5:23 pm

    Tell me how to register a cbo which will be able to deal with human wildlife conflict and how much does it cost

    Reply

  • Avatar for Nimrod Yegon
    Nimrod Yegon

    June 4, 2020 at 12:55 pm

    I love this organisation,I would just want to ask if CBO is based in every county and are their offices located thare?

    Reply

  • Avatar for DENNIS OLE MULII
    DENNIS OLE MULII

    November 11, 2024 at 1:04 pm

    This is very important and very glad to stay in touch on this as am very much interested on forming a cbo within maasai land. this is to support education for vulnarable school children and support the girl rights from early marriage.

    Reply

    • Avatar for editor
      editor

      November 19, 2024 at 12:26 pm

      Thank you. We are here to help you register your cbo and transform lives.

      Reply

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