An NGO is a non governmental organization that does non profit work for the needy in society, such as, providing education materials, school fees, clothes and food. There are 3 types in Kenya; local, national and international.
People passionate about helping are more likely to form such organizations.
NGOs receive funding from donors and well wishers. The operations of an NGO work like any other business despite the lack of profits. One needs to have entrepreneurial skills in order to effectively manage an NGO, passion alone is not going to keep the organization afloat. Another important fact is that you can’t help everyone. Therefore, it is important to chose one ideal course and follow it through. A plan of how the business works should be set in place.
Before deciding to open a non-profit ask yourself these questions;
Do you have the passion and entrepreneurial skills to see this through?
Are there other organizations that offer the service you want to provide?
If they exist, are they managing well or are they struggling?
Do you have enough people for back up?
Have you sourced ways to get finances? Apart from donors and well wishers, finances
can be sourced from government grants, crowdfunding, personal income and savings,
partners or income generating activities.
Is it worth it?
If after analyzing everything, you still want to go ahead then below are some facts about an NGO:
The process of Registering an NGO
The Non-Governmental Organizations Co-ordinations Board registers and regulates all NGOs in Kenya. The board which is under the Ministry of Interior and Co-ordination of National Government also advises the government on the contribution of an NGO to the society.
1) Name Search. Your organization needs a name. Visit Huduma center for a name search
at a fee of 1,000/=. Fill in a form 2 form and the name is reserved for the next 60 days.
2) Fill in two original form 3 forms. Provide all the organizations details, objectives and a
list of organization members.
3) Duly filled form 1 form containing the details of the contact person. A fee of 400 shillings
is paid in order to acquire form 1 and 3. If not, forms are declined.
4) Two copies of proposed NGO Constitution. It must be signed by three of the proposed
officials and two board members. A prototype of the Constitution can be downloaded
from the NGO Bureau of Kenya.
5) A copy indicating a one-year budget.
6) Certificate of good conduct with all receipts and fingerprints. Foreign Nationals should
present a police clearance from their country that is not less than 6 months old.
7) Submit a fee of 16k for national organizations and 30k for international organization. An
international NGO should have 1/3 Kenyan national as officials. Among the top officials
there should be 3 Kenyans. Its objective should also be to help the people of Kenya.
Factors that may lead to deregistration
Tax evasion
Employing foreigners who have invalid works Visas
Failing to provide financial audit when asked by the Non-Governmental Organizations
Co-ordination Board
Fraudulent activities, such as, money laundering.
How to Market an NGO
Identify your niche. Choose a suitable category for your organization and come up with
workable strategies
Build a website. Advertise it through social media and word of mouth. Include everything about
the organization in the website, such as, your goal, causes and contacts.
Develop marketing materials. These include: brochures, videos and posts about the NGO.
Anyone with passion, skills and a desire to help and succeed can start an NGO. Proper planning
is key to ensuring success. Choose a course close to your heart, do research and get started.
