BARIDI KWA BARIDI WOMEN CBO JOINS COLLECTIVE PUSH TO IMPROVE PBO REGULATIONS

As one of the active member of the Busia Chapter Communities of Practice (COP), Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO is proud to be among the 8 organisations which represented the Busia COP chapter memorandum submission of views on the Draft Public Benefit Organizations Regulations,2025 pursuant to Section 69 of the Public Benefit Organizations Act,2013 In Kakamega County at the Kakamega Social Hall on 10th July 2025.

This collective effort , spearheaded by Dhamira Moja who are our county coordinator for the Busia COP sought to ensure that the revised PBO regulations are inclusive, affordable and practical for grassroots and community based organizations.

The submission addressed critical issues such as:

High registration and compliance fees, which discourages small community based organizations.

Lack of clarity on annual returns and reporting expectations

Inaccessibility in registration process(e.g., Absence of email and online platforms)

The need for grassroots- friendly conflict resolution mechanisms

Inclusion of recommendations on bestowing PBO status, suspension procedures and recognition of federations.

As Busia COP, we proposed reduction of registration costs, simplified compliance requirements and the recognition of non- state actors and federations as key players. We also supported the call for outreach and capacity building programs for registered organizations.

“Our voice as grassroots actors must be reflected in policies that govern our work.These Recommendations are not just about policy, they are about equity,Sustainability and the future of local impact.”- Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO Executive Director-Ms. Maurine Ayodi.

We wish to relay our appreciation to the Busia COP chapter for their coordination and to all the other partners involved in ensuring the voice of grassroots organization is heard and respected.

Together , we continue to build a strong, transparent and inclusive public benefit sector in Kenya. We are hopeful that all if not most of the concerns we have raised will be considered.