Former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko has assured the public that the Sonko Rescue Team (SRT) will remain operational despite the threat of deregistration.
The Public Benefit Organizations Regulatory Authority (PBORA) recently announced plans to cancel the registration certificates of 2,802 non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including SRT and the Sakaja Foundation, which is linked to current Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
These organizations have been given 15 days to meet compliance requirements.
Sonko, however, emphasized that his organization is willing to engage in discussions with the PBORA to address any regulatory concerns and ensure compliance with the new regulations.
He expressed no objection to the government’s actions but called for dialogue to avoid job losses.
“I assure Kenyans that SRT will continue operating. We are law-abiding and ready to meet with the regulator to discuss the necessary steps,” Sonko said.
Founded to provide emergency services and social support across Nairobi, SRT offers services such as ambulance response, firefighting, clean water distribution, and aid to the underprivileged.
The initiative is privately funded and operates alongside government services.
Sonko also stressed the importance of considering the impact on the young people employed by NGOs and urged the regulator to allow more time and flexibility for organizations to comply.
“No one wants to lose their jobs, and we certainly do not want to default unintentionally. The regulator should provide more time and possibly amnesty for full compliance,” he added.
A Gazette notice from PBORA CEO Lindon Nicolas revealed that these NGOs had violated certain licensing terms.
Established after the operationalization of the Public Benefit Organizations Act (PBO Act) in May, the authority is responsible for NGO registration, ensuring compliance, and advising the government on their role in national development.
SRT received widespread praise during the COVID-19 pandemic for its food distribution efforts, which benefited thousands of Kenyans both within and outside Nairobi.
