The Public Benefit Organizations Regulatory Authority has listed Sonko Rescue Team, and Sakaja Foundation among 2,802 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that will be deregistered in 15 days.

According to a gazette notice issued by Lindon Nicolas, the CEO of Public Benefit Organisations Regulatory Authority, the NGOs violated some of their licensing terms. 

This Authority was formed after President William Ruto operationalised the Public Benefit Organisations Act 2013 (PBO Act) in May 2024.

In a gazette notice dated December 5, Nicolas noted that the cancellation of the said certificates shall take effect in 15 days.

“Notice is given pursuant to section 18 (1) of the Public Benefit Organizations Act, 2013, that the Public Benefit Organizations Regulatory Authority intends to Cancel the Registration Certificates of the Organizations listed in the Schedule hereto on the grounds that they have breached the provisions of the Act and violated the Terms and Conditions attached to their certificates. Cancellation of the said certificates shall take effect fifteen (15) days from the date of this notice,” read part of the notice.

According to the notice, the Inua Jamii Programme, a government cash transfer initiative aimed at reducing poverty among vulnerable groups, including orphans, older persons (70+ years), and people with severe disabilities, is also set to lose its license. 

The programme, according to the government, supports about 1.75 million people every year. The government initiative launched in 2004 is said to have defaulted for eight years.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s Sakaja Johnson Foundation is also among NGOs listed for deregistration. Sakaja’s foundation has defaulted for one year, according to the government agency.

Sonko Rescue Team, a private initiative started by former Nairobi Governor, Mike Sonko, is also among listed NGOs that are likely to lose their licences.

Sonko’s organization offers ambulance services, putting out infernos, clean water distribution, and aid to slums residents in Nairobi.

According to the notice, Sonko’s foundation has defaulted for six years.

Another NGO on the list is the Mo Farah Foundation, founded by Olympic champion Mo Farah.

Farah’s organisation focuses on improving access to clean water, education, and healthcare. The foundation is said to have defaulted for ten years.

Other NGOs listed include Elimu Centre, Apollo Foundation, Lenana Foundation Trust, International Cancer Institute Foundation, and Saint Martins Hope Foundation.

The list also has Maendeleo Ya Wanaume Organisation, Life Connect Kenya, Tom Ross Foundation, Agape Ministries International, Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, and Crescent Kenya.

The National Organisation of Women Teachers, Lornah Kiplagat Foundation, Sagana Conservancy, World Relief for Disabled Persons, and National Alliance of Orphans and Women in Kenya are also part of the list.

Diva Kenya, Green Alliance Foundation, Skiza Kenya, Goodwill Foundation, Wildlife Foundation Kenya, Early Cancer Care and Detection Centre, Umoja East Africa Fund-Kenya, and Uwezo Africa.