Dear President Ruto,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude for the recent initiative taken by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, under your leadership as President and Commander in Chief of the Defence Forces. The decision to require Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Public Benefit Organizations (PBOs) to align their operations with Kenya’s development priorities is a commendable step towards ensuring transparency, accountability, and the effective utilization of donor funds.

As someone who has been actively involved in running an NGO dedicated to various social causes, I have witnessed firsthand the critical role NGOs play in addressing pressing issues, supporting vulnerable groups, and empowering local communities. However, I am also aware of the unfortunate reality that not all NGOs operate with integrity and a genuine commitment to their stated missions.

There have been instances where some NGOs have been funded with ulterior motives, diverting resources away from their intended purposes. Some have been misused as conduits for money laundering, while others have been implicated in funding criminal activities, including acts of terrorism. Such actions not only tarnish the reputation of the NGO sector but also harm the very communities these organizations are meant to serve.

The decision to align NGOs and PBOs with Kenya’s development priorities is a significant and necessary step in addressing these challenges. It reaffirms the government’s commitment to ensuring that donor funds are used for their intended purposes, supporting initiatives that genuinely benefit our nation and its people.

By promoting mutual accountability and adhering to global best practices and regulatory frameworks, this initiative will help restore the public’s trust in the NGO sector. It will also enhance the credibility of NGOs and PBOs that are genuinely dedicated to making a positive impact on our society.

I wholeheartedly support this initiative and believe that it will go a long way in weeding out corrupt and unscrupulous NGOs that have tarnished the name of the entire sector. It is a clear message that accountability and transparency are non-negotiable when it comes to the critical work of NGOs.

Once again, I want to express my gratitude to you, President William Ruto and your Kenya Kwanza government for taking the bull by its horn and addressing this pressing issue. I look forward to seeing positive changes in the NGO sector that will ultimately benefit our nation, its citizens, and the vulnerable communities we serve.