Tax Illustration./PHOTO ; Pexel
Civil society organizations (CSOs) across Kenya are set to gain vital insights into how tax and legal frameworks shape their operations through a new virtual issue lab convened by the East Africa Philanthropy Network (EAPN) in partnership with TrustLaw (Thomson Reuters Foundation), CDH Legal, and Africa Law Partners Kenya.
The session, scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM EAT, will unpack findings from landmark legal research on Kenya’s taxation and regulatory environment for CSOs.
It will explore how tax laws impact registration, compliance, exemptions, and access to foreign funding, as well as their influence on advocacy and civic space.
What to Expect
Participants can expect an interactive and practical discussion grounded in recent legal research. The issue lab will cover:
- Tax exemptions and compliance — what qualifies for exemption, how to retain it, and the risks of non-compliance.
- Registration and regulatory frameworks — understanding current requirements for CSO operations under Kenyan law.
- Foreign funding and advocacy — how cross-border funding and advocacy work intersect with national regulations.
- Impact on civic space — examining how taxation policies shape the environment for civil society action.
Legal experts from CDH Legal and Africa Law Partners will share practical guidance for organizations navigating Kenya’s complex legal environment.
Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and access tools to help them strengthen governance and compliance systems.
Who Can Attend
The session is open to:
- Local and international civil society organizations operating in or partnering with Kenya.
- Community-based organizations and grassroots movements are seeking legal and compliance guidance.
- Philanthropic foundations and donor agencies fund civil society programs.
- Legal and compliance officers, researchers, and policy advocates working on governance, transparency, or civic space.
Why This Discussion Matters
Kenya’s civil society sector continues to navigate a shifting legal and fiscal landscape where tax policies play a decisive role in institutional survival.
Changes in exemptions, compliance requirements, and funding regulations directly affect advocacy independence and long-term sustainability.
Without a clear understanding of these frameworks, organizations risk penalties, deregistration, or loss of tax-exempt status outcomes which can undermine years of community work and investment.
The issue lab provides a platform to bridge this knowledge gap by translating complex legal research into practical insights that organizations can immediately apply.
By unpacking how Kenya’s tax laws shape civic space and organizational resilience, this issue lab aims to equip CSOs with the knowledge and strategies needed to thrive within evolving regulatory frameworks.
How to attend
Registration is free and open to participants across the region. Interested organizations can register online via The East Africa Philanthropy Network (EAPN)
About the Partners
The East Africa Philanthropy Network (EAPN) is a regional membership organization that promotes effective giving and strengthens the enabling environment for philanthropy and civil society in East Africa.
TrustLaw, the global pro bono service of the Thomson Reuters Foundation, connects NGOs and social enterprises with leading law firms to provide free legal support and research.
CDH Legal and Africa Law Partners Kenya are law firms specializing in tax, corporate, and regulatory matters, contributing their expertise to this research and session.
