About the Coast Regional Office

The Commission established the Coast Regional Office in December 2012, the office is located in Mombasa IMAARA- The New Address Building, Dedan Kimathi Avenue, Kizingo. The Coast Office undertakes the Commission’s work in addressing human rights situations specific to the Coastal region. Some of the human rights issues include; historical land injustices, forced evictions, extractives, endemic marginalization, insecurity largely due to terrorism, violent extremism, existence of local gangs and radicalization.  The regional office has admitted over 2000 cases since its inception.

The office has a geographical coverage of 6 counties namely, Taita Taveta, Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River and Lamu. 

Key Focus Areas

Complaints and Investigation

The Office carries out field investigations on thematic human rights issues within the Coastal Region and advises the Commission on appropriate options for redress.

Public Education & Training

This is done through workshop trainings of both State and non-State Actors, local radio talk shows, dissemination of IEC materials as well as public awareness forums.

Supporting CSOs Platforms

Supporting and strengthening of civil society space across the 6 counties. Hosts CSO network providing them with a space to dialogue, engage, synergize and innovate towards promoting human rights.

Institutional Reforms

Monitoring and inspection visits to prison facilities and police station to ensure that these facilities are in tandem with national and international human rights standards.

Redress

The office promotes access to justice through Public Interest Litigation and application of ADR mechanism such as Mediation, Negotiation and Arbitration.

Working with Dev. Partners

The Coast Office partners with development partners such as UNODC, GIZ- CPS program and UNOHCHR in addressing human rights specific issues in the region.

Our Achievements

  • Preventing and countering violent extremism

    Part of stakeholders that drafted the Mombasa preventing and countering violent extremism Action Plan for the Mombasa County Government.

  • Taita Taveta Public Inquiry

    Public Inquiry on artisanal mining within Taita Taveta County and successful launching of the report.
    Download Report

  • Redress - I.P. Veronica Gitahi & another v Republic [2017] eKLR

    The Office played a critical role in facilitation of witnesses in I.P. Veronica Gitahi & another v Republic [2017] eKLR which involved extra judicial execution of Kwekwe Mwandaza and consequent conviction of the accused persons.

  • Successful Public Interest Litigation as amicus curiae in

    Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) on behalf of 40 Others v Minister for Migration & 3 Others Mombasa High Court Constitutional Petition No. 50 of 2011.
    MUHURI filed this petition on behalf of 40 members of the Galjel Community who had been denied national identification documents. The petition sought a declaration that this denial was unlawful and that the State be mandated to recognize the petitioners as citizens and subsequently issue them the national identity cards. The KNCHR enjoined as amicus and submitted on the impact of violation of the right to citizenship on other critical rights under the Bill of Rights.

  • Successful Public Interest Litigation as amicus curiae in

    Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) & another v Inspector-General of Police & 5 others [2015] eKLR
    This a constitutional petition filed by MUHURI and Haki Africa challenging the decision of the of the IGP; to recommend to the CS for Interior and Coordination of National Government that the two entities were created in violation of the Constitution and the freezing of the petitioners Bank Accounts under the Prevntion Of Torture Act and POTA regulations. In this petition, the KNCHR enjoined as amicus curiae and asked the court to make a finding on the observance of human rights by both parties particularly on the right to property at Article 40 and right to fair administrative action at Article 47 of the Constitution of Kenya.

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