State orders NGOs, PBOs to align with Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda

In a concerted effort to harmonize the utilization of international donor aid with Kenya's national development vision, the Kenyan Government has notified Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Public Benefits Organizations (PBOs) to realign their operations in accordance with the nation's overarching development framework, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

This directive stems from the Government's extensive evaluation of the activities of NGOs and PBOs registered in Kenya, revealing a notable misalignment in the management of international donor aid in a statement issued on Friday.

"Following our review of the operations of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Public Benefits Organizations (PBOs) registered in Kenya, the Government has noted with concern the prevailing misalignment of international donor aid management systems," the state read.

The Government's primary concern revolves around the perception that the current aid model places a disproportionate emphasis on meeting the interests of donor countries, thus diverting attention from the fulfilment of Kenya's national development agenda and addressing its critical needs.

Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary of Internal Security and National Administration, underscored the critical nature of this call to action.

"This model, sadly, leans more towards meeting the interests of donor countries than supporting Kenya's national development agenda and priority needs," the statement read in part.

In the Government's view, achieving mutual accountability between Kenya, as the host country, and its international development partners is of paramount importance.

Therefore, it has urged NGOs and PBOs to adhere to global best practices and established regulatory frameworks in the management of donor aid.

This alignment is seen as vital not only to enhance the effectiveness of aid programs but also to reinforce Kenya's ownership of its development plans, safeguarding its national security interests in the process.

While acknowledging the important role played by donor aid in Kenya's socioeconomic advancement, the Government seeks to foster a more cohesive collaboration and synergy among the various stakeholders operating in the aid sector.

The overarching objective is to ensure that projects and programs funded through international aid are not only optimized for the benefit of Kenya but also directly contribute to the improvement of local communities.

Central to this approach is the maximization of the value derived from international aid, ensuring that it seamlessly aligns with the nation's development vision outlined in BETA.

"This will guarantee greater partnership and synergies among different parties working in the aid industry to ensure that donor aid is not only producing better impacts for Kenya but also benefits local communities," Omollo emphasised.

In tandem with the realignment of aid management practices, the state is actively strengthening its capacity to monitor and combat illicit financial flows.

This strategic intervention forms an integral part of efforts to disrupt criminal and terror financing activities, thereby enhancing national security.

The notice issued by the Kenyan Government serves as a clarion call to NGOs and PBOs, urging them to realign their operations with the nation's development priorities.