The year ends at the start of Kenya’s “summer season”, December! So we brace ourselves for January heat as well! Not forgetting that its going to be a month with 75 days in it. We eat our bodies away, the pocket seems to be bottomless with the festivities and for those lucky enough to actually enjoy feet up and pamper, the season hands it over to them. The rest of us (speaking for mothers), we brace for chaffed nails and joyous tire as nannies take a break too. And then there is the famous “transfer window” that every mama dreads. That call in January “Mama nanii sirudi. Tafuta mwingine,” from the courteous one. Otherwise most of them just Ghost us! And so a fresh start it is.
Kenya remains a critical investment hub regionally and internationally. It is good for GDP as well as for people and communities within which business thrive. Our National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights has hit its five year review period and thus it is imperative for stakeholders to be consulted on its impact, hits and misses to ensure it continues to serve its purpose even as environments shift from time to time. In this issue, we look at feedback from Western region as the roll out continues in 2026.
Election fever registered itself during the November By Elections that were held in various parts of the Country. With less just under two years to go before the next general elections, KNCHR used the opportunity to mark trends and measure against what has been witnessed during previous election periods to aptly prepare for 2027. We are not yet there, but we can be with the goodwill of all stakeholders, including the voters themselves, Wanjiku!
Culture remains a pivotal guiding star in many African communities. However, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains one of those cultural practices overtaken by time yet some communities are adamant, even against the law.
The adage goes, If the mountain won't come to Muhammad, then Muhammad must go to the mountain. Read about how Members of County Assemblies with disability are charting their own course through the inaugural Legislators with Disabilities Conference as a platform to continously champion for equity and inclusivity.
Happy Near year.....and enjoy the read. Read more
In this issue, we will also look at the continuous strides the Commission is taking towards infusing human rights-based principles in the management of refugees. Two years into the Haki na Ushirikiano Project in conjunction with the Refugee Consortium of Kenya, the right to identity is coming out as one of the key issues that require interventions for refugees to enjoy human rights in Kenya.
To further strengthen the investigation and redress of human rights violations, he Commission drafted rules and regulations that went through a countrywide public participation process. What did our public say? What gaps do the regulations hope to address? It can only get better!
We have by-elections coming up, heated moments where unchecked, human rights violations can occur. No one should deny you the right to vote, violence that impacts human life. The Commission is monitoring the process and should you see any human rights concerns, talk to us through our hotline; 0800 720 627.
While you are at it, make a stopover at the fun corner and test your human rights knowledge and share your answers through the contacts shared. Happy read and we look forward to your feedback. Read more
Email: rightfullsyspeaking@knchr.org
Rightfully Speaking: Keeping the Human Rights Candle Burning January-March 2025
The quarter began on a very heavy note, with the unexpected loss of the KNCHR Chairperson Ms. Roseline Odede, our fearless heroine. Still we soldiered on as she would have wished and loved, serving Kenyans with zeal from all corners of the Country. Inside, read more about the human rights based approach monitoring on the impact e systems are making on the actualization of the right to health as guaranteed in the Commission. Quiet yet great strides are making their way to the grassroots. We have also delved into the subject of technology, the right to information and to know visa vie societal degradation. While you are at it, make a stopover at the fun corner and test your human rights knowledge and share your answers through the contacts shared. Happy ready and we look forward to your feedback Read more..
Rightfully Speaking: Keeping the Human Rights Candle Burning July-September 2023
No one, in my view, sang the mapambano song better than the valiant and indefatigable Kenyan politician, the late Otieno Kajwang (May he rest in peace). One could feel and connect with the palpable passion and verve in his throat as he belted the solidarity forever lyrics and with the conviction to boot. That is now in the recent past. Counting the decades back as a child - or should I say eyewitness of the 1990 Saba Saba movement; I watched in disbelief all the action on the front row seat of our living room window. The police officers chased the demonstrators and their leaders in the open field and down the narrow lanes of the informal settlements. Yes- that was Eastlands for you, where the call to action reigned supreme and was frequently re-lived in the spirit of a luta continua. Read more..
Rightfully Speaking: Keeping the Human Rights Candle Burning April-June 2023
Here is to telling the Kenyan journey of progressive realization of human rights and adherence to the rule of law. The road is not always smooth, but with guidance of the Constitution and other legislative frameworks, something always gives. Our vision is to strengthen accountability for human rights and ensure that every citizen is capacitated to claim their rights, is aware of their responsibility and those charged with upholding rights do so within the provisions of the law. Read more