Lodwar: Members of the public gathered at Lodwar Youth Polytechnic to provide input on the draft Public Benefits Organizations (PBO) Regulations 2025. The regulations aim to implement the Public Benefits Organizations Act 2013.
According to Kenya News Agency, the meeting was led by Nzioki Ndeti, a board member of the Public Benefits Organizations Regulatory Authority, and Isaiah Sang, Director of Strategy. They guided attendees through the regulations intended to enhance management within the public benefits organization sector.
Before meeting with the public, Ndeti and Sang met with County Commissioner Julius Kavita and Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus. Commissioner Kavita highlighted that public benefits organizations complement government services in sectors like water provision, health, and education. He urged the board to regulate PBOs that deviate from their mandates and engage in illegal activities. Kavita emphasized preventing project duplication and promoting accountability of funds, stating that PBOs should benefit the public since they operate with public funds. He added that any PBO wishing to operate in the county must first gain approval from the county steering group.
Deputy Governor Erus assured the county government's support for the board's objectives, noting PBOs' crucial role in the socio-economic transformation of the country. Erus emphasized the importance of both county and national governments in ensuring public accountability and avoiding project duplication.
During the public participation exercise, youth leader James Nangole expressed concerns about project duplication among NGOs, citing repeated instances of identical projects like boreholes being launched. Jackson Nakusa, another participant, raised issues about officials accused of misappropriating funds moving unaccountably between NGOs. Director Sang noted that the public participation exercise began on June 19 and would conclude on July 25, providing an opportunity for public input and written submissions.
The meeting also highlighted concerns over the election of officials, with participants worried about individuals assuming office due to popularity rather than alignment with the organization's founding vision. Calls were made for building organizational capacity, particularly in financial reporting. Benson Ebei, County Coordinator for the National Council for Persons Living with Disabilities, advocated for including persons with disabilities in top management to ensure their interests are represented.
Legal officer Mercy Soi assured that public feedback would be considered before finalizing the regulations. Senior analyst Eric Thome mentioned engaging the media to inform the public about the exercise, encouraging participation. Participants from all 11 sub-counties were involved in the exercise.