NGO & Non-Profit Registration in Kenya
Establish your non-profit organization on solid legal foundations
How We Work
Step 1: Structure Advisory
We assess your mission, activities, and funding model to recommend the optimal legal structure, whether a company limited by guarantee, trust, society, or CBO.
Step 2: Document Preparation
We draft the constitutional documents including memorandum and articles of association, trust deed, or society constitution, incorporating governance best practices.
Step 3: Registration Filing
We file the registration application with the relevant authority, whether the Registrar of Companies, the Registrar of Societies, or the county government, and follow through to completion.
Step 4: Tax Exemption Application
We apply to KRA for income tax exemption status where eligible, preparing the required documentation including the organization's activities, budget, and governance structure.
Step 5: Operational Setup
We prepare governance policies, board charters, conflict of interest policies, and template agreements for donor funding, employment, and service delivery.
NGO & Non-Profit Registration in Kenya
Kenya has a vibrant civil society sector, with thousands of non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, trusts, and foundations operating across the country. Establishing a non-profit entity requires choosing the right legal structure and complying with the applicable registration and regulatory requirements.
LHK Advocates registers non-profit entities under all available frameworks: companies limited by guarantee under the Companies Act, 2015; societies under the Societies Act; trusts under the Trustees (Perpetual Succession) Act; and community-based organizations under county government frameworks. We advise on the structure that best suits your mission, governance needs, and funding model.
Beyond registration, we advise on tax exemption applications with KRA, compliance with the Public Benefit Organizations Act (PBO Act), donor agreement review, governance best practices, and annual regulatory filings. We help non-profit organizations maintain their legal status and operate with transparency and accountability.
Key Benefits
Structure Optimization
We recommend the entity type that provides the best combination of legal protection, tax benefits, and governance flexibility for your mission.
Tax Exemption Support
We prepare robust tax exemption applications and handle the KRA engagement process to maximize the likelihood of approval.
Governance Best Practices
We establish governance frameworks that meet donor expectations, regulatory requirements, and international best practices for non-profits.
Ongoing Compliance
We provide annual compliance support including filing returns, updating registrations, and advising on regulatory changes affecting the sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Start Your NGO & Non-Profit Registration in Kenya Case?
Schedule a consultation with our experienced legal team and discover how we can help you achieve the best outcome.