A community-Based Organization is a registered non-profit, non-political and non-governmental organization within a group of people who mostly live in the same area and have common interests.
The CBO normally has a chairperson, a secretary and a treasurer and it’s aimed at ensuring that members’ interests are catered for.
CBOs are governed by the Community Groups Registration Act of 2022.
Requirements in forming a CBO
Before beginning the registration process, it is essential to ensure that you have met all the necessary requirements. These requirements to register a CBO include:
1. A Minimum of 10 Members: Your CBO should consist of at least 10 members, and these members must be over the age of 18 and Kenyan citizens.
2. Group Members List in Excel: You will need to provide a members’ list in Excel format, detailing each member’s full name, ID number, phone number, and signature. This list will be part of the official registration process.
3. Group Constitution: Your group must have a constitution outlining the CBO’s objectives, rules, and operational procedures. The constitution should clearly define the roles of the executive team (chairperson, treasurer, and secretary) and outline the process for electing officers, handling funds, and resolving disputes.
4. Minutes of the Meeting Agreeing to Register: You will need the minutes of the meeting where your group agreed to register as a CBO. These minutes should include details such as the members present, resolutions made, and who was tasked with initiating the registration process.
5. An Application Form: You will need to fill out the CBO registration application form. This form can be downloaded from the Department of Social Services website or obtained from your local Social Services office.
6. Registration Fee: Be prepared to pay a registration fee, which is usually around Ksh 5,000, depending on the county.
Steps for registering a CBO
Once you have met the requirements, follow these steps to register your CBO:
1. Create an eCitizen Account
First, the person tasked with registering the CBO must create an eCitizen account if they don’t already have one. To do this:
Go to ecitizen.go.ke.
Click on “Create Account” and fill in the required details, including your ID number and mobile number.
Once your account is created, log in using your ID number and password.
2. Access the CBO Registration Portal
After logging in to eCitizen, navigate to the Department of Social Services section.
Select CBO Registration to begin the application process.
3. Fill in the Required Information
Fill in your group’s details, including the name, location, and objectives of the CBO.
Upload the required documents such as the constitution, members list in Excel, minutes of the meeting, and other documents as specified.
4. Submit the Application
Review all the information you’ve provided and ensure that it is accurate.
Pay the registration fee through the provided payment options.
Submit your application for review.
5. Wait for Approval
After submitting your application, the Department of Social Services will review the documents and details provided. If everything is in order, they will approve your CBO registration. This process typically takes a few weeks.
Registering your CBO provides several advantages, including;
- Access to Funding: Registered CBOs can apply for government and NGO funding, which is essential for running community projects.
- Government Support: A registered CBO can receive government assistance for projects that align with national or county development goals.
- Legal Protection: The registration process ensures your group operates within the law, protecting members from legal disputes or penalties.
- Networking Opportunities: Registered CBOs can collaborate with other organizations, both locally and internationally, to achieve their objectives
