The criminal justice system in many African countries is characterized by rampant criminalization and punishment of petty offences through arbitrary arrests which provides a basis for gross violation of human rights of poor and vulnerable populations.
KNCHR, drawing its mandate from the UN Paris Principles for the promotion and protection of human rights, working with both the state and non-state actors is uniquely placed to undertake a holistic assessment of the criminal justice system and advise the states on the reforms needed to decriminalize petty offences in line with international and regional human rights provisions.
It is against this backdrop that the KNCHR is engaged in a campaign to review the county by-laws and other pieces of legislation which criminalize petty offences and instead find alternative punishment such as utilization of Community Service Orders.