The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights as a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) established under Article 59 of the Constitution of Kenya, is charged with two broad mandates; (i) to promote human rights, fundamental freedoms and constitutionalism (ii) protect and secure the observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms in all spheres of life. It is these guiding mandates that have enabled KNCHR to compile the human rights status report, which covers the period of March 17th 2020 to June 6th 2020.
Dubbed Pain and Pandemic: Unmasking the State of Human Rights in Kenya in Containment of the COVID -19 Pandemic, this is just but the first of a series reports that the Commission will publish as it continues with the monitoring efforts during this pandemic period, and even after. The contents of this report are not just the effort of KNCHR staff, but also enormous efforts of the grassroots human rights defenders, the media and other civil society partners whose work push for accountability and strengthening the enjoyment of human rights.
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The attention of the Kenyan National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has been drawn to the heart-rending clips and images circulating on social media, clearly showing uncalled for brutality and ruthless beating being meted on innocent and defenceless Kenyans by uniformed police officers and other law enforcement officers following the start of the much touted dusk to dawn curfew across the country. It is pitiable and despicable to watch the video clips of uniformed law enforcement officers, who are deemed to be custodians of law and order, incessantly bludgeoning innocent and unarmed Kenyans, especially in Mombasa, at the entrance of the Kenya Ferry Services and other parts of the country. Indeed the enforcement of the Covid-19 pandemic curfew directives should not be a ticket to unleash terror. read more ...

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) lauds and welcomes the government’s rapid response efforts to put in place measures and mechanisms, as announced by His Excellency the President, to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and help stem the virus in our country. Globally the disease has been declared as a “public health emergency of international concern” and the Commission acknowledges the government’s decision of suspending some national operations to contain the spread of the corona virus. KNCHR supports the government to remain the mainstay role in disseminating information relating to this disease for the sole purpose of national unity. read more ...

On 24th/25th August 2019 in the upcoming Kenya Household Population Census, the Republic of Kenya will be the first country in the world to organize, incorporate in its enumeration tools and train the enumerators to count Intersex person under the leadership of the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). Code 3 is the new third sex marker which will ensure that for the first time intersex persons will be counted separately from the male in Code 1 and female in Code 2. read more ...

The Commission is once again delighted to join Kenyans and people all over the world in marking the 2019 annual International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). This day was created in 2004 to draw world attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics. These people include intersex, lesbian, gay, bisexuals, transgender and gender non-conforming persons. The date of May 17th was specifically chosen to commemorate the World Health Organization's decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. read more ...

In the lapsing Strategic Plan (2013-2018), the Kenya National Commission of Human Rights (KNCHR), pointed out to its then future roadmap of achieving protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms. At this auspicious occasion of launching a new strategic direction, we would like to make some observations. read more ...

The KNCHR is gravely concerned by the ongoing forced evictions in Kibera which is not only a violation of the law and human rights but also an unfortunate breach of trust and bad faith by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and other concerned agencies. The KNCHR is particularly disappointed that the evictions are happening despite assurances from KURA that no evictions would be effected before completion and implementation of the ongoing enumeration and relocation of the Project Affected Persons (PAPs). read more ...

In our capacity as members of the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights, we have today ended our ten-day visit to Kenya. We thank the Government for its facilitation of this visit, and the many people from civil society and the business community with whom we engaged in an open and frank dialogue on current initiatives, opportunities and challenges to implement the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). read more ...

GENEVA / NAIROBI (11 July 2018) – The United Nations Working Group on business and human rights is urging the authorities in Kenya to turn ideals set out in the 2010 national constitution into action that ensures businesses respect human rights. “Kenya has the advantage of a solid legal framework for action, and the Government must first of all step up efforts to ‘walk the talk’ to translate existing legislation into practice,” said Anita Ramasastry, chairperson of the Working Group.  read more ...

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) joins Kenyans and people all over the world in marking the annual International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).This day was set in 2004 with the aim of drawing attention to the discrimination, violence and other human rights violations experienced by sexual and gender minorities all over the world. The date of May 17th was specifically chosen to commemorate the World Health Organization’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. read more ...

Press Statement: Respect the Rule of Law read more ...

KNCHR is delighted to join all of you today in commemorating the International Day for the Right to Truth. On behalf of the national Commission, I stand here to acknowledge the fact that truth precedes justice and that the best we can do, as a people, is not to remain silent, but to make louder the voice of truth seeking.
The 24th of March every year is dedicated to the commemoration of the victims of human rights violations, acknowledging a fundamental human right to truth and supporting those human rights activists and defenders who commit their lives to fighting for truth and justice. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights joins victims and survivors of gross human rights violations to mark this day in Kenya. read more ...

As a National Commission, we wish to commend the State for ratifying key human rights treaties and conventions which impose upon Kenya the obligation to respect, protect, fulfil and promote human rights for all. The treaties also create reporting obligations on Kenya with respect to steps taken to implement the provisions of the various regional and international instruments. read more ...

The Commission is concerned by the occurrences of the past one week that has witnessed a rise in the brazen disregard of the rule of law, the barefaced threats to the Bill of Rights and the Nation’s democratic principles that are enshrined and protected in the Constitution of Kenya 2010. The Commission is raising a red alert that we are rapidly retrogressing to the dark painful eras of our past as a country. As the main Commission charged with the responsibility of protecting promoting and monitoring human rights in the country, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights from the onset strongly condemns the current cases of deliberate contempt of court orders and illegal and arbitrary arrests that are off-tandem with the Kenyan law and set practices and standards. read more ...

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has earlier today received reports and information to the effect that the broadcast airwaves for the local television networks were switched off by Communications Authority of Kenya to disallow the live coverage of the swearing-in activity of the opposition leadership at Uhuru Park. The Broadcast Television networks include read more ...

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, National Coalition for Human Rights Defenders, Amnesty International Kenya, Katiba Institute and other undersigned organizations express their grave concern at reports received from community representatives, that yesterday , 16 January 2018 , Kenya Forest Service (KFS) officers shot and killed Robert Kirotich and seriously injured David Kosgei Kiptilkesi, members of the Sengwer Indigenous people, in Embobut forest, Cherangany Forest Complex in the western highlands of Kenya. We are reliably informed that both were unarmed and herding cattle in the Kapkok glade at the time. read more ...

Given the fact that it was an inordinately drawn out process, the task of monitoring the 2017 General Election turned out to be truly Herculean for most observers and monitors, the KNCHR included. The intensity and magnitude of the election was particularly buttressed following the annulment and subsequent call for a fresh presidential poll. I am happy to report to you, here today, that despite the numerous challenges that were occasioned by what is by any standard one of the longest electioneering periods in our Country, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Officers and Monitors soldiered on to monitor, document and report on the extent to which Kenya’s electoral cycle complied with safeguarding the sanctity of the vote in line with the country’s national and international human rights principles. read more ...

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has been monitoring compliance to human rights principles in the fresh Presidential polls. This time as part of its monitoring strategies, the Commission deployed a total of 540 monitors spread out in all the 47 counties. The Commission monitored the campaigns and political protests in the run up to the fresh Presidential polls after the Supreme Court decision. The Commission also monitored the events before, during and after the 26th October polls. read more ...

Article 1 of the Constitution of Kenya clearly states that all sovereign power belongs to the People of Kenya and that the said power shall be exercised only in accordance with the Constitution. In a representative democracy like ours, one of the critical ways of exercising the people’s sovereign power is through direct and universal suffrage where every eligible voter participates in electing his or her leaders in a free, fair and credible electoral process. When Sovereign Power derives from the people, it means that citizens are empowered to democratically elect their leaders through the ballot. The meaning of the ballot must be extrapolated to go beyond the literal meaning of the physical ballot paper used to vote on Election Day. A credible ballot must be transparent and accountable. Comprehensive measures must be taken to ensure that the right to vote is secured and that every valid vote cast truly counts. read more ...

The Commission has noted with grave concern the ongoing intensified assault on the civic and democratic space by the now defunct NGOs Coordination Board headed by Fazul Mahamed. The latest attack targets the African Center for Open Governance (AFRICOG) and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) two of the leading human rights and governance organizations in the country. Yesterday, the NGO Coordination Board accused the two organizations of financial and regulatory impropriety and called upon the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) to take adverse actions against them including freezing of accounts and arrest and prosecution of AFRICOG directors and members. read more ...

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) is deeply concerned by the turn of events immediately following the announcement of the presidential results yesterday by the Chairperson of the IEBC where violence simultaneously erupted in parts of the country. We however, note that this was not widespread as many Kenyans continue to maintain peace and calm as they have done since polling day on 8th August, 2017. read more ...

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights calls you today to give your our preliminary findings on the status of human rights that we observed in the 2017 General Election Polls. The KNCHR deployed a total of 264 staff and monitors on August 8th to document the polling process in 37 counties where we closely monitored the preparations, the voting process, the tallying and transmission of results. The objective of the KNCHR monitoring is to protect and promote the right to vote and be voted to in the 2017 Elections. Our teams are also on the ground to monitor the post-­‐election scenarios from a human rights perspective and we are receiving reports round the clock at our Election Monitoring Hub. read more ...

The Right To Freedom of Peaceful Assembly, A checklist for the Kenyan police and the public read more ...

Today marks exactly 24 days to the August 8th 2017 General Election. As a Constitutional Commission mandated to protect and promote the observance of Human Rights in Kenya, we have called you here today so that we may share with you some of our key findings, concerns and recommendations as we approach the upcoming election. As has been the case i n the past, our findings, concerns and recommendations are geared towards seeking remedial actions with the relevant partners and duty-bearers so as to protect the right to a free, fair, credible and peaceful election.
The findings, concerns and recommendations we are sharing with you today are a direct result of the work that the KNCHR has been undertaking on the ground in 29 Counties where we have been monitoring the campaigns and the preparation towards the August polls. The following is an update of the key concerns and findings of our campaign monitoring project. read more ...

The reason for our engagement with you today is to register our deep concern on the utterances attributed to the President and the Deputy President during their political rally in Baringo County on the 9th of July 2017. Similar utterances have also been raised by the Principals of the opposition coalition, NASA.

The remarks by the political actors in the ongoing campaign period that have threatened the decisions that the Judiciary made concerning the printing of ballot papers as well as the decision by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to challenge the said decision at the Court of Appeal fall below the letter and spirit of the Constitution of Kenya. As Commissions, we view these utterances as veiled threats to the Judiciary and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission whose effect is nothing but the emergence of excesses of Kenya’s political class. read more ...

The foregoing Constitutional objects as well as our respective statutory provisions form the backbone for the exercise of our mandates as the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, the National Gender and Equality Commission, the Commission on Administrative Justice and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission. read more ...

The Commission undertook monitoring of the political parties’ primaries in the month of March and April 2017. The findings are compiled in a report titled the Fallacious vote which was released on 15th May 2017. The Commission’s report elaborated varied con-cerns and it anticipated that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Political Parties and aspirants would take into consideration and ensure that the campaigns would be devoid of human rights violations and blatant violation of the electoral code of conduct, electoral laws and constitutional provisions. read more ...

In Kenya, just like in any representative democracy, elections are meant to reflect the aspirations of citizens as the key decision-makers in electing the leadership of the country through the power vested upon them by the Constitution of Kenya (CoK). Article 1 provides that all sovereign power belongs to the people of Kenya and shall be exercised in accordance with the Constitution. One of the key provisions that brings to life these powers is the constitutionally guaranteed right to make political choices that is actualized by the right to vote as entrenched in Article 38 (3) (b) of our Constitution. read more ...

The role of the Police and their contribution to governance in Kenya cannot be over emphasized. Their responsibility to guard the sovereignty of this nation is one that should be reflected upon at the point to which their recruitment into the service begins.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has thus committed itself to the police reforms journey through monitoring of all recruitment exercises in the last four years to ensure compliance with laid down regulations.

During the 2017 police recruitment process, KNCHR was able to monitor 75 of the 292 centers that were used to vet potential candidates with our observations documented as follows: read more ...

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights is monitoring the 2017 electioneering process as per its mandate of securing the constitutional guaranteed right to participate in political processes and further safeguard the right to vote. As a Country, we continue to experience upheavals where during the electioneering period, Kenyans suffer a multitude of human rights violations arising from the process.

To ensure that we safeguard the integrity of the right to vote and to participate in the electoral processes that are in line with the relevant laws, the Commission deployed 84 monitors in 29 counties; Bungoma, Kakamega, Kisii, Migori, Siaya, Tana River, Lamu, Kwale, Garrissa, Marsabit, Turkana, Mandera, Isiolo, Samburu, Baringo, Nakuru, Kirinyaga, Meru, Laikipia, Elgeyo Market, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Narok, Nairobi, Kiambu, Muranga and Kisumu. Following an intense training on election processes, they will be engaged not only in monitoring the ongoing party nominations but also the run up to elections and the post election period. read more ...

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights welcomes the passage of the Prevention of Torture Bill by the National Assembly on the 6th April 2017.
The Commission further welcomes the President’s enactment into law the Prevention of Torture Act on 12th April 2017. As a Commission we welcome this move by the President as the Prevention of Torture Bill has been in the legislative process for six years.
The Prevention of Torture Act defines and criminalize torture and establishes a legal and institutional framework to support victims of torture.
Torture constitutes the worst form of human rights violations. Article 25(a) of our Constitution, states that “the right to be free from torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment cannot be limited under any circumstances read more ...

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) wishes to inform the public of fraudsters who have been masquerading as officials of the Commission and have been contacting unsuspecting members of the public with offers of employment; while taking advantage to extort money from unsuspecting Kenyans.The fraudsters are said to have been contacting members of the public with invitations to interviews and offers of employment. read more ...

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights is appalled by the unwarranted utterances by the Senator that only serve to endanger persons with albinism in this electioneering period. As a leader who has sworn an oath to abide by the laws of the land, the Senator negated the spirit and letter of National Values and Principles of Governance as articulated in Article 10 of the Constitution of Kenya (CoK). read more ...

Your Excellency, The President of the Republic of Kenya;
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights makes this address on the basis of its constitutional mandate as prescribed under Article 59 and within the general functions and powers under Article 252; and the statutory reporting obligations pursuant to the KNCHR Constitutive Act of 2011 (Revised 2012); with the specific mandate to promote a culture of human rights in Kenya. read more ...

The Commission deployed officers to the conflict region on 20th to 24th February 2017 and established the following as the situation on the ground:
• Loss of lives: Over ten people have lost their lives so far, following the latest flare-up in the region.
• Massive displacement of civilian populations: Over 10,000 integrated internally displaced persons (3000 from Arabal, 2500 from Chebinyiny, 5000 from Mochongoi) and over 10,000 internally displaced persons (9,000 from Kipkata location, 1,500 from Kipsarman Catholic Church) read more ...

Following the court order of 3rd Oct. February 2017, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights and Central Organization on Trade Unions were appointed as mediators to the on going doctors strike.We have been engaged in mediation with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union and Ministry of Health for the past seven days in a bid to find amicable and lasting solutions to end the on going doctors strike read more ...

The Commission is concerned by the unfolding events in the country, particularly at a time when Kenya is preparing to go for the General Election scheduled for August 2017.

During celebrations to mark this year’s Jamhuri Day, President Uhuru Kenyatta publicly alleged that some foreign powers are channelling money to civil society organizations to try and influence the outcome of the next general elections. Subsequently, the Leader of Majority in the National Assembly, the Hon Adan Duale, accused the IEBC of working with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) to assist CORD in rigging next year’s elections. read more ...

KNCHR is pleased to join the international community as the World commemorates the 2016 International Human Rights Day under the theme of: “Stand up for someone’s right today”. The day affords us all an opportunity to review the gains, challenges and areas of improvement in the human rights sector. As a National Human Rights Institution, KNCHR works with state and non-state actors both locally and internationally to promote the inculcation of a culture of respect for human rights within the Country read more ...

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights is deeply concerned by the brutality meted out on Wananchi by the GSU and the other police units following a raid at the Booker Police Post by unknown people on Tuesday 22nd November 2016. We are similarly concerned that the said assailants assaulted and subsequently injured a police officer in their mission that saw them make away with guns and bullets from the police post. We wish the police officer quick recovery so that he can continue with his duty of ensuring that Kenyans are safe and secure. read more ...

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) today dispatched its officers to monitor the demonstrations organized by the Civil Society. The Commission is concerned at the conduct of the police officers that led to the forceful dispersal of demonstrators and the arbitrary and brutal arrest of 10 of them.
Our monitors observed that the Police cordoned off the entire freedom corner and then discharged tear gas canisters at those who were gathered at the venue. This uncalled for violence was extended to other members of the public who were innocently undertaking their daily businesses bringing the business to a standstill at the busy Uhuru Park. read more ...

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) is an independent Commission entrenched in the Constitution of Kenya under Article 59 and operatiationalised by the KNCHR Act No.14 of 2011 with a core mandate of ensuring the protection and promotion of human rights in Kenya.
The Constitution vests in the Commission watchdog and advisory roles so as to ensure the promotion and protection of Human Rights in public and private institutions.
In execution of its mandate; the Commission is here today in Mombasa County to launch and commence the second phase of a national public inquiry into the status of security and its impact on the enjoyment of human rights and freedoms with a special focus on Mombasa, Kwale, Tana River and Lamu Counties. read more ...

In 2005, we the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights with the then Ministry with the super long name and one that was charged with super heavy national responsibilities going by the name - The Ministry of Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs; and together with a number of State and Non- State actors began a journey.The ultimate goal of that journey was to develop a National Human Rights Policy (NHRP) and a National Action Plan for Human Rights (NAPHR). read more ...

Today marks the culmination of years of effort towards the development of a National policy and action plan on human rights in Kenya.
My sincere appreciation goes to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), the main sponsors of this event; who in partnership with the Department of Justice spearheaded the development of the National Policy and Action Plan on Human Rights.
I also wish to thank all our partners, with a special mention to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Nairobi the Office, and other Development partners, for having tirelessly walked with us when the journey was at its hardest. read more ...

For the last one year, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has received and documented complaints from individuals and groups in the larger Taita Taveta County in relation to mining activities and the attendant violation of human rights. In response to the complaints received, the Commission deployed several investigative missions to ascertain the veracity of the complaints as a first step to address the issues and concerns that had been shared with the Commission. From the preliminary findings of our investigative missions, a number of cross-cutting and systemic human rights issues came to the fore read more ...

Our attention has been drawn to the reported harassment and illegal arrest of officers of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) by the Kayole OCPD Mr. Ali Nuno on Monday 1st August 2016 while on official duty.

The two IPOA investigators had visited the OCPD in his office to serve him with summons requiring him to appear for questioning in respect of reported misconduct against him. The OCPD declined to receive the summons and ordered the officers out. The investigators left the letter on the OCPD’s table after which the OCPD pursued and grabbed one of the IPOA officers, Mr. Humphrey Kaunya. read more ...

Speech By The Kenya National Commission On Human Rights Vice-Chairperson, George Morara,During The Handing Over Of The Keys To Residents Of Kibera Soweto East Zone ‘A’ In A Project Under The Ministry Of Land, Housing And Urban Development On Friday, 8th July 2016 read more ...

We the undersigned organizations call for the immediate release of Willie Kimani, a human rights defender/lawyer, and his two associates, Josphat Mwenda and Joseph Muiruri, who were abducted by the Administration Police (AP) on 23rd June 2016. The three were abducted as they left the Mavoko Law Courts in Machakos County shortly before 12:00 pm.Willie, who works for the International Justice Mission (IJM), was in court together with IJM client Josephat Mwenda, a 24 year old father of one who before the 10th April 2015, plied his trade as a Boda boda (motor cycle) rider read more ...

Our attention has been drawn to the statement by the Government Spokesperson Mr. Eric Kiraithe issued on 30th May 2016 on behalf of the National Security Advisory Committee (NSAC) directing that both CORD and the Prayer Beyond Boundaries Ministries (PBBM) meetings have been cancelled citing security concerns.

The Commission also takes note of the remarks made on 30th May 2016 and attributed to the Principal Secretary, Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, Mr. Karanja Kibicho stating that CORD has a constitutional right to assemble and that the Government has no problem with the opposition opting to have a parallel arrangement elsewhere for the Madaraka day celebrations. read more ...

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (the Commission) is deeply concerned by the excessive use of force deployed by the security agencies in the ongoing protests organized by the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) seeking removal of commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The Commission is particularly dismayed by the gory scenes witnessed yesterday in Kisumu, Nairobi, Kisii and Machakos where demonstrators who had already been subdued were subjected to gruesome violence by the police resulting in seriously bodily harm. The Commission has just received a reports that one of the victims has succumbed to the injuries. read more ...

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights is deeply concerned by the Statement issued by the Principal Secretary for Ministry of Interior on Friday 6th May 2016 titled “Government Statement on refugees and Closure of Refugee Camps”. The statement communicates the Government’s decision to end the hosting of refugees and to close down Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps citing national security concerns. The government also announced that it has disbanded the Department of Refugee Affairs (DRA) as a first step towards the above measures! read more ...

The Network would like to express its support to the work of the Independent National Human Rights Commission of Burundi, which is a member of NANHRI.

The Network also wishes to express its deepest concerns following the ongoing acts of violence and killings that have been taking place in Burundi.

The situation lends itself to gross human rights violations and must be stopped immediately from deteriorating any further. The right to life, the right to security, freedom from torture and other forms of ill-treatment, and the rights to freedom of expression, movement and assembly are all in constant danger, if political and social disorder is left to persist. read more ...

Preliminary evidence gathered by the Commission establishes a pattern of conduct by the Kenya security agencies amounting to grave violations of the law and human rights against individuals and groups suspected to be associated with terror attacks in various parts of the country mainly in Nairobi, Wajir, Mandera, Garissa, Lamu, Tana-River, Kwale, Kilifi and Mombasa Counties. Over 100 people have disappeared, several killed and scores of others tortured in the ongoing operation.

The counterterrorism operations are being conducted by a combined contingent of Kenya Defense Forces (KDF), National Intelligence Service (NIS), Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS), County Commissioners, Deputy/Assistant County Commissioners, Chiefs and various units of the National Police Service including the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU), Kenya Police Reservists (KPRs), Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) of the Administration Police, Border Patrol Unit (BPU) and the General Service Unit (GSU). read more ...

The Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Commission) undertook a five-day advocacy visit to Nairobi, Kenya starting on 24th August 2015. This was her first advocacy visit to Kenya. The Special Rapporteur was invited by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) who worked in collaboration with ARTICLE 19, Transparency International, and International Commission of Jurists-Kenya to organise the visit.
The Special Rapporteur, Adv. Pansy Tlakula, was accompanied by a team of four experts of the Working group which developed the Model Law on Access to Information for Africa (Model Law). The purpose of the meeting was threefold. First, to meet with government officials read more ...

We write concerning remarks attributed to you directing police officers to shoot and kill suspected cattle rustlers. This directive is in violation of Article 10 of the Constitution which requires that all public officers act in accordance with human rights and comply with the Rule of Law. We also refer you to express provisions of the National Police Service Act on the lawful use of firearms read more ...

The KNCHR wishes to express its concern on the security situation within the North Rift Region which has led to loss of life, property, displacement, disrupted education and healthcare. The commission wishes to send its sincere and deepest commiserations to the affected communities and families as a result of the ongoing and recurrent conflict in the North Rift region.The Commission has previously received a petition from members of these communities in particular from Baringo South about escalating insecurity.  read more ...

On the 2nd April 2015 following the Terrorist attack at Garissa University His Excellency the President issued a statement in which he directed the Inspector General to proceed with the recruitment of the 10000 officers.We understand this directive to refer the recruitments exercise that has been declared irregular by the court vide its Judgment in HCCC Petition 390 of 2014 (Nairobi). read more ...

The Commission’s attention is drawn to the recent publication by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Gazette Notice Number 2326 of 7th April 2015 containing a list of 5 terrorist organizations and 85 entities suspected to be associated with Al-Shabaab. The KNCHR observes that this action was taken following the devastating terrorist attack on Garissa University College in which 147 lives were lost and scores injured read more ...

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights takes this early opportunity to condole with the families who have lost loved ones in the latest terror attacks at Garissa University. It is unfortunate that the attacks are happening in an institution that is considered a safe haven for students. Reports reaching us as at the time of issuing this press release indicate that 15 people have lost their lives while the over 50 who are said to have sustained injuries are currently receiving treatment in various medical facilities. We wish those who have been injured as well as those who have been psychologically affected by this callous attack a quick recovery.KNCHR is deeply concerned that despite the continued read more ...

On 9th December, 2003, when the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) was opened for Signature in Merida, Mexico, Kenya became the first country in the world to sign and simultaneously ratify UNCAC1. The enthusiasm with which Kenya signed this convention can be attributed to two main factors. First, that Kenyans were expressing a strong sense of confidence and optimism that with a new regime in power, the country had what it took to break the yoke of corruption that had seen its economic fortunes plummet to levels where it was registering negative figures of “economic growth”. Second, Kenya was acting in solidarity with the civilized nations of the world who had identified corruption as a serious threat to good global citizenship and the well-being of humanity. read more ...

We, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), Usalama Forum,Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya), Constitution and Reform Education Consortium (CRECO), Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA),International Centre for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) and Rights Promotion andbProtection Centre,( RPP) issue this statement as part of the joint efforts we shallbbe undertaking in ensuring transparency and accountability of the National PolicebService recruitment exercise which commences countrywide on 20th April 2015 at various publicized centers from 8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. read more ...

Following the reported skirmishes in Narok County yesterday, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights is concerned about the death(s) and injuries sustained by both civilians and police officers. We condole with the familie(s) of those that lost their lives in the demonstration.
Our preliminary investigations reveal that the injuries vary from bullet wounds to the use of blunt objects. While media and other reports indicate that the injuries and fatalities sustained were inflicted by the excess use of force by members of the National Police Service read more ...

We, the undersigned organizations, wish to express our deep concern with the provisions of the Security Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2014, which the government hastily published on December 10, 2014.Contrary to the Memorandum attached to the Bill, the proposed changes are not minor. They are momentous and seek to amend the Bill of Rights through the back door. Any changes to the Bill of Rights require a referendum as per Article 255. The proposed Security Laws (Amendment) Bill 2014 makes major amendments to at least 22 laws and impact on several others including the laws relating to County Government. read more ...

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) is deeply concerned by the increasing incidents of insecurity in the country. We are deeply saddened and condole with the families of the twenty-eight (28) persons who were killed by suspected terrorists in a Nairobi bound bus from Mandera on 22nd November 2014. We also extend our condolences to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), and the National Police Service, for the loss of their members. read more ...

Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) is concerned with the prevailing state of security in the country. We take this opportunity to sincerely condole with the families of the security personnel, civilians and humanitarian personnel who lost their lives during the weekend in Kapedo. We also take this opportunity to condole with the family of the military officer who lost his life at the hands of suspected MRC militants in Mombasa. We condemn the brazen attacks against all security enforcement agencies, which have caused alarm and panic among members of the public.  read more ...

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and the Police Reforms Working Group-Kenya (PRWG-K)1 wishes to note with concern the unfolding confusion on public recruitment into the National Police Service. Whereas there has been diverse views from different agencies on the transparency or lack of it with regard to the process and fully aware of a court case calling for, inter alia, the nullification of the entire recruitment process and its outcome we wish to note as follows read more ...

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) is once again constrained to make a public statement on yet another extrajudicial killing of three persons that happened yesterday (July 30th) in Changamwe Mombasa County. We have learned through eye witness reports in the media that the trio was gunned down at the Shell Petrol Station in Changamwe after they had obeyed an order by the police to surrender and lie flat on the ground. The police then proceeded to spray them with bullets as they lay prostrate and disarmed. read more ...

We, the undersigned organisations relay our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Lamu County at large following Sunday night attack in Mpeketoni that has left over 48 civilians and security agents dead, injured many more and has occasioned massive destruction of property. Our continued vulnerability as a country to these attacks is totally unacceptable.It is only this past week that the Cabinet Secretary for finance presented the budget for 2014/15 that has been lauded as being transformative and sets Kenya on the path of political stability, economic growth and development. lnfact, in that budget the central role of the security sector in bringing about the envisaged transformation is evidenced by the allocation of Ksh 90.7 billion which is 8% of the budget. read more ...

We have convened this press conference to brief Kenyans about our concerns regarding the ongoing security operation dubbed (Operation Rudisha Usalama) aimed at addressing the rising insecurity in the country.
From the outset, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reiterates its deepest concern over the deteriorating security situation which continues to impact negatively on the enjoyment of human rights in Kenya. We join other Kenyans in expressing our heartfelt condolences and solidarity with the victims of recent terror attacks including the Likoni Church attack.  read more ...

The Honorable the Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya, Dr. Willy Mutunga, The Hon Attorney General, Prof. Githu Muigai, the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, Commissioners of the KNCHR, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, all protocols observed;
I would like to first thank you and your office for the successful swearing in of the Commissioners. I am aware that your office was approached on short notice and that notwithstanding you were able to accommodate us in your busy schedule. I thank you and I trust that this is an indication of the working relationship that we shall have with your office in the days to come. read more ...

On 19-22 November, representatives of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from 11 African countries will gather in Kampala, Uganda, for a workshop on how to monitor places of detention.
To effectively prevent torture, the institutions in charge of protecting human rights need to build and strengthen knowledge and skills on detention monitoring particularly with regards with the methodology of preparing, conducting and following up on visits. This is something that the Swiss-based Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT), in partnership with the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI), wants to address through a regional training workshop on “Monitoring Places of Detention”, which will be hosted by the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC). read more ...

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights wishes to draw attention to threats by the Inspector General to journalists over recent coverage of Westgate incidences as aired on KTN Shows Jicho Pevu and the Inside Story. The Commission would like to re-emphasize that the rights provided for in the Constitution and in the international instruments ratified by Kenya constitute guarantees and are not enjoyed by Kenyans at the pleasure of the state or any agency. read more ...

Statement on the escalating insecurity in Moyale read more ...

We, the undersigned human rights organizations, wish to condemn the summary execution of Hassan Guyo, a prominent human rights defender based in Moyale, Marsabit County. Our preliminary investigations indicate that Mr Guyo was shot from the back by a military officer on 7th August 2013 at around 1700 hours.
Mr Guyo, 40, was founder member and the Programmes Director at Strategies for Northern Development (SND), an organization that promotes human rights for women, children and refugees and also works on human trafficking issues in the region. He was an active member of the UNDP Amkeni waKenya Civil Society Governance Programme Stakeholders Reference Group and partnered with various human rights organizations including the Independent Medico Legal Unit (IMLU), the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders – Kenya (NCHRD-K), Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC). read more ...

Article 53 of the constitution guarantees every child the right to right to free and compulsory basic education and also provides that a child’s best interests are of paramount importance in every matter concerning the child. We are concerned that in the impasse between the government and the Kenya National Union of Teachers the children’s interests in the matter have been relegated to the back burner. read more ...

On March 8th 2013, as part of our 10 point human rights agenda for the government, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights made a call through an advertorial that all appointments to public office be made in accordance with the constitution.

We are encouraged that in the ongoing nominations to the office of cabinet secretary, there is a deliberate attempt by the President to infuse professionalism, regional balance, and most importantly gender considerations. read more ...

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) once again expresses its concern regarding the ongoing agitation for salary increase by recently elected state officers. We further condemn the apparent bullying and threats to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) which is constitutionally mandated to set and regulate salaries and benefits for State and Public Officers. read more ...

The Commission releases this final update to inform Kenyans of their conduct and behavior during the ongoing campaigns (as detailed in the report) and to appeal to the nation of our collective responsibility to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections.
The Commission is encouraged by the many initiatives and efforts being undertaken by various stakeholders and by ordinary Kenyans all over to foster peace during the electioneering period. The coming together of the main political leaders during the two key presidential debates and their pledge to peace during the National Prayer Meeting at Uhuru Park last Sunday is commendable and will hopefully jell Kenyans to maintain peace during the elections. read more ...

Ladies and gentlemen, it is seventeen days to one the most historic elections in our country. We join other stakeholders in voicing the following concerns relating to the ongoing electoral process:
It is evident that our actions, both as institutions and individuals, appear not be informed by the lessons of the past. Repeatedly we have been urged, including by our international partners that we are at a defining moment in terms of the growth of our democracy and realization of our constitutional aspirations.See the preliminary report(download here) for more detailed information. read more ...

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) monitored the just ended political parties’ nominations to assess the level of participation by members of the public as well as transparency and accountability in the nomination process. KNCHR monitored both the political parties’ pre-nominations activities as well as the actual nominations exercise to ensure they were within the law, the political parties’ regulations and in consonance with free and fair elections.
KNCHR witnessed a number of malpractices and serious offences in various parts of the country during the exercise. One of the main concerns is incidences of civilians arming themselves with crude weapons. In Kisumu for instance, a supporter of one of the aspirants was arrested for allegedly having purchased some 100 machetes. A follow-up with the Kisumu OCPD did not reveal any information. We urge the security agencies to take up such matters with the seriousness they deserve so as to avoid a reoccurrence of the 2007 post-election violence. read more ...

The Commission calls the government’s attention to the worrying security situation in the country that is spiraling out of control.Within the last 6 months, the country has witnessed an unprecedented upsurge in violence that has claimed the lives of hundreds of innocent Kenyans, both civilians and law enforcement officers.
In September 2012 in Tana Delta more than 100 civilians and 9 Law enforcement officers were brutally murdered in an orgy of violence that pitted two communities against each other. In Mombasa scores of Police and Prisons Officers were killed/ injured following attacks on law enforcement officers during the riots that followed the Killing of Muslim cleric Sheikh Aboud Rogo. Hardly a week ago, were more than 50 police officers mowed down by cattle rustlers in Suguta valley, in a botched security operation in Baragoi
Since the beginning of Operation Linda Nchi in October 2011, scores of police officers have been killed and others injured in attacks that involved the use of grenades, land mines, IEDs or fire arms by suspected Al-shabab sympathizers within the Country. read more ...

The Kenya National Commission Human Rights has noted the creeping trend where politicians offer mere public apologies that threaten the enjoyment of human rights, especially as we head to the general elections next year.
On Monday, Kenyans were treated to shocking public utterances, under the watch of the police, by Embakasi MP Hon. Ferdinand Waititu calling for the eviction of members of the Maa community from Kayole area. The consequences of the utterances were the loss of two lives, injury to many, destruction of property, widespread looting and threat to national cohesion and inter - ethnic peace in the country.
While making a public apology in television, the Member of Parliament turned a cheek on the media whom he claims have blown the issue out of proportion to ‘finish his political career in favour of one of his opponents’. read more ...

We the undersigned human rights and governance organizations convey our deepest condolence and sympathy to all the relatives and families of our fellow citizens who had died, and others who sustained serious injuries and massive destruction of property in recent incidences of violence in various parts of the country, including civilians and police officers.
We note with great exception that in the recent months, the country has witnessed several incidences of fatal armed conflict in several districts in the country, namely Muhoroni, Mandera, Wajir, Turkana, Isiolo, West Pokot, Baringo, Mombasa and the most recent in Tana River. In all these cases the result has been indiscriminate loss of lives and property, injuries, displacement and suffering to thousands of innocent Kenyans. read more ...