15 NGOs in Kenya deregistered for funding terrorism

The Kenyan NGO coordination board has de-registered 15 non governmental organizations suspected to be linked to terrorism activities in Kenya, some dating back to the 1998 US embassy bombing in Nairobi.

Fazul Mohamed, the Executive Director for the NGOs coordination board said names of the 15 de-registered NGOs were further forwarded to various government departments, both locally and internationally, for further investigation and prosecution

The regulatory board also announced the deregistration of 510 NGOs for non-compliance with the law. 12 of them were found to have a turnover of over Sh 500 Million. Among the 12 included Medicins San Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders)  which has offices in Switzerland, France and Belgium. Others include Technoserve Kenya, Water For Life and Concern Wildlife

Related>> A list of all the NGOs that were deregistered 

The NGOs deregistration has sparked furious reactions from the opposition, with ODM’s secretary general Ababu Namwaba faulting the government’s move. He said that due process was not followed in the de-registration process.

The non governmental organizations are a key employer in Kenya and should they be compelled to close down, it is feared that thousands of jobs will be lost.

Some reliable sources claimed that the decision to deregister the 510 NGOs contradicted an agreement signed in June this year where the coordination board agreed to give the NGOs a six month grace period until January to enable them comply with the new requirements

The NGOs coordination has further revoked all working permits for expatriate staff working in all NGOs registered in the country until their representatives verify and update their information with the board. The board has also warned that the government will enforce stern measures to ensure donors hold NGOs they finance accountable for their actions