Nairobi, Kenya – The past two weeks have seen a flurry of activity across Kenya’s Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) sector, marked by bold citizen-led initiatives, critical regulatory updates, and heightened calls for accountability from civil society groups. From ambitious cross-country treks for social good to legal challenges against government expenditure, NGOs and public benefit organizations are actively shaping the national discourse.

The second week of February 2026 has been defined by a sharp escalation in the watchdog role of Kenya’s civil society. As grassroots movements launch physical infrastructure for the poor, prominent lobby groups are locked in a high-stakes legal and constitutional battle over the management of public funds.

Eric Omondi’s “Walk of Love” Culminates in Sisi Kwa Sisi Rescue Centre Launch

Comedian-turned-activist Eric Omondi successfully completed his arduous 486-kilometer “Walk of Love” from Nairobi to Mombasa, drawing significant public attention to social welfare needs. The monumental trek culminated on Sunday, February 15, 2026, with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Sisi Kwa Sisi Help and Rescue Centre in Mombasa.

The ambitious project, entirely funded through a “buy a kilometer” crowdfunding model, aims to establish a comprehensive facility addressing various social emergencies. Plans for the center include a medical clinic, a vital warehouse for food and relief supplies, a fleet of two permanent ambulances, and a free secondary school dedicated to children from vulnerable backgrounds. Omondi’s initiative stands as a testament to the power of grassroots movements and community solidarity in addressing pressing social issues.

Katiba Institute Challenges Legality of Presidential Advisors’ Pay

In a significant move championing public financial accountability, the Katiba Institute has written to the Controller of Budget, Margaret Nyakang’o, urging her not to authorize payments to presidential advisors. The prominent governance watchdog contends that the appointment of these advisors lacks a clear legal framework and that their remuneration would constitute an unlawful expenditure of public funds.

The Katiba Institute’s letter highlights concerns over potential constitutional breaches and emphasizes the need for strict adherence to public finance management principles. This intervention underscores the vital role of civil society organizations in scrutinizing government spending and upholding the rule of law.

PBO Act Deadline Extended Amidst Low Compliance Rates

The much-anticipated deadline for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to transition into Public Benefit Organisations (PBOs) under the PBO Act, 2013, has been extended. The government has granted a 12-month reprieve, pushing the new compliance deadline to May 13, 2026.

This extension comes as a response to alarmingly low compliance rates, with the PBO Regulatory Authority (PBORA) revealing that only approximately 4,000 out of an estimated 14,000 registered NGOs have successfully completed the transition process. Organizations failing to re-register by the revised deadline risk losing their legal status and the crucial tax-exempt benefits associated with being a PBO. This ongoing process aims to enhance transparency and accountability within the sector.

High-Level Engagements and New Funding Opportunities

Beyond local activism, Kenya’s NGO landscape also saw important regional and development-focused activities:

• IGAD’s Regional Focus: A high-level delegation from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), with significant operational presence in Nairobi, concluded a productive week following the African Union Summit (February 15). Discussions centered on new cross-border animal health surveillance and drought resilience projects, particularly targeting Northern Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands.
• Impact Week Kenya 2026: Running from February 16–21, Impact Week brought together NGOs, social entrepreneurs, and “Design Thinking” experts at Africa Nazarene University. The collaborative event focused on fostering innovative solutions for local entrepreneurship and tackling various social challenges across communities.

New Grant Calls Empower Vulnerable Groups

Several new funding windows have opened, providing crucial support for grassroots initiatives:

• Wezesha Mjane Project: The Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority (UFAA) launched a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding call, inviting proposals from NGOs working to empower widows in Kenya. Grants of up to Ksh 2.25 million per project are available, aiming to support initiatives that enhance the economic and social well-being of widow-led households.
• East African Girls and Young Feminist Fund: A new grant cycle has opened for grassroots, girl-led collectives across East Africa, including Kenya. This fund offers unrestricted grants of up to $7,500, specifically targeting initiatives that promote gender equality and empower young feminists (closing February 28).

Okoa Uchumi & Katiba Institute Confront Governors Over Senate Boycott

In a joint statement released on Monday, February 16, 2026, the Okoa Uchumi Campaign—a coalition including the Katiba Institute, Transparency International Kenya, and the Kenya Human Rights Commission—sounded the alarm over a “troubling trend” of accountability evasion.

The Conflict: The Council of Governors (CoG) recently resolved to boycott appearances before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC), alleging that senators are using the sessions for “political witch-hunts” and extortion.

The Stand: Okoa Uchumi and the National Integrity Alliance (NIA) have condemned this boycott as a violation of Articles 96 and 125 of the Constitution, which mandate Senate oversight of county revenue.

The Demand: While acknowledging that allegations of bribery against Senators must be investigated by the EACC, the lobbyists insist that “accountability is not a discretionary courtesy.” They are calling for the Senate to institute disciplinary proceedings while urging governors to respect constitutional summons.

The dynamism observed in the past fortnight underscores the critical and multifaceted role played by NGOs and civil society in Kenya, from direct community intervention to high-level advocacy and policy influence.