The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) joins the world in observing the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violation and for the Dignity of Victims. Kenya is a country that upholds human rights and has ratified various frameworks requiring access to remedy, particularly the need to establish reparations frameworks.
The Commission makes this statement on account of its Constitutional mandate under Article 59 of the Constitution to promote and protect human rights for all. Section 8 of the KNCHR Act, 2011 further bestows upon the Commission the function to monitor state compliance with both national and international laws founded on human rights standards and principles.
Over the years the Commission has led the reparations agenda in Kenya, by participating in
the development of draft laws (bills pending in parliament), policies and issuing advisories to
relevant government authorities to ensure compliance with the legal obligation bestowed by the
law to ensure victims of human rights are recognized and their right to access redress guaranteed.
During this year’s Commemoration under the theme “The truth is an empowering and healing force”, the KNCHR takes this opportunity to recognize State and Non-State organizations and networks that have been at the forefront in advocating for reparations in Kenya. In particular, KNCHR takes note of the previous efforts by the Office of the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly (under the leadership of Hon. Gladys Boss Shollei), office of the Attorney General, Justice and Legal Affairs Committees of both Houses of Parliament, and Governors for their efforts towards supporting the development of Reparations frameworks.
The Commission is however concerned that these frameworks remain in draft form and the delays in adoption have left the victims and survivors of human rights violations with limited avenues for accessing justice and reparations.
In commemorating this day, the KNCHR reiterates that the Truth about human rights abuses, atrocities, and other violations is essential for accountability, justice, healing, and the prevention of future abuses. To this end, the Commission has commenced a process of calling for victims and survivors of human rights abuses to support the ongoing engagement of developing a reparations framework for Kenya and the need to report the abuses as outlined in our 13th March, 2026 press statement.
The commission’s engagement is founded on the previous efforts and information documented in the TJRC report and other relevant reports that have documented gross human rights violations and victims call for justice and reparation.
In keeping with our Constitution, relevant national laws, African Union Transitional Justice Policy, ratified human rights instruments, and the United Nations Basic Principles and Guidelines on the Right to Remedy and Reparation for Victims of Gross Violations of International Human Rights Law and Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law, KNCHR proposes the following during the observation this International Day for the right to the Truth:
- Full national acknowledgement, of the truth and consequences of the harm suffered by victims and survivors of each group of violations as contemplated by the TJRC including victims and survivors of sexual violence, massacres, unlawful disappearance, torture, killings and marginalization;
- Fast-track allocation of resources to the KNCHR to support the ongoing Reparations framework development and case verification processes;
- That beyond the compensation of victims contemplated by the presidential pronouncement, the reparation framework intended is a comprehensive law that seeks to dignify members of our population for their suffering as enshrined in Article 28 of the Kenyan Constitution, to compensate victims/survivors of their social, moral and material losses, to restitute their rights, as well as to guarantee lasting peace among our communities;
- Further, that the intended framework includes measures to prevent conflicts recurring from deep-seated historical and communal differences within and between our communities;
- That accountability measures be pursued to ensure perpetrators of gross human rights violations are held accountable;
- To ensure the victims of historical injustices are not left behind, ensure the operationalization of the TJRC Act and the Gazettement of the TJRC report and other reports for purposes of public knowledge and to inform administrative actions. These actions should encompass compensation, rehabilitation, restitution, satisfaction, and guarantee of non-repetition;
The Commission also calls upon the President to acknowledge SGBV as a gross human rights violation and therefore consider making specific apology to victims and survivors. In addition, an acknowledgement of violations recorded to have contributed to historical massacres.
We urge the public to continue reporting any human rights abuses, concerns or violations 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).