The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) welcomes the judgment delivered by the High Court in Kerugoya on 4th December 2025, in the consolidated petitions concerning the establishment of the Presidential Panel of Experts (PoE) on Compensation of Victims of
Demonstrations and Public Protests.
In its Judgment, the High Court affirmed that KNCHR, as the National Human Rights Institution, has the constitutional and statutory mandate to design a framework for compensation and reparations for victims of human rights violations, pursuant to Article 59(1)(g) of the Constitution, which designates the KNCHR as the principal organ of the State responsible for ensuring compliance with obligations under international human rights treaties and conventions.
The KNCHR notes the Court’s guidance and its recognition of the constitutional role of the Commission in securing appropriate redress for victims of human rights violations, especially those whose access to justice may not be adequately addressed through ordinary judicial processes.
The KNCHR has consistently engaged in national discourse on reparations and redress, including spearheading the development of the following policy and legislative initiatives aimed at addressing historical and contemporary human rights violations:
- Policy Proposal for Reparations for Historical Injustices (2017);
- The Reparations Bill, 2017;
- Reparations Fund Regulations, 2017;
- The Kenya Reparations Bill, 2022; and
- West Pokot County Reparations Draft Bill, 2023.
The KNCHR wishes to affirm its unwavering commitment to the development of a comprehensive, inclusive and sustainable national reparations’ framework in discharge of its constitutional and statutory mandate and commitment to ensure compliance with the directions of the Court.
In the development of the reparations framework, the Commission will engage relevant State organs, Parliament, County Governments, civil society, victims’ groups and other stakeholders towards ensuring the timely development of the framework and its responsiveness to Kenya’s human rights context.
The KNCHR reiterates its unwavering commitment to promoting accountability and justice for all human rights violations and in the discharge of its duties in line with its Constitutional and Statutory mandate.
The KNCHR urges the public to continue reporting any human rights violations and concerns through the following channels:
SMS: 22359
Email: complaint@knchr.org
WhatsApp: 0798 849 871
Toll-Free Line: 0800 720 627
Haki kwa Wote, Kila Wakati.
Claris Ogangah,
Chairperson, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).