AN ADVISORY ON THE SITUATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS IN KENYA
SUBMITTED TO THE OFFICE OF THE ATTONEY GENERAL AND DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
JULY 2025
In 2023, the Commission carried out an assessment of the situation of human rights defenders through a comprehensive review of legislation, policies, relevant documentation and national data relating to the enabling environment for human rights defenders. It is worth noting that the assessment was multi–sectoral, whereby the Commission involved both State and non-state actors in the assessment and validation of the information gathered. The Commission, having considered the findings, presents the following recommendations aimed at ensuring that human rights defenders operate freely and safely, and that Kenya fulfils its obligations under national and international human rights law. It further seeks the intervention of The Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice regarding implementation of the interventions. Download advisory
AN ADVISORY ON THE SITUATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS IN KENYA
SUBMITTED TO THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
JULY 2025
In 2023, the Commission carried out an assessment of the situation of human rights defenders through a comprehensive review of legislation, policies, relevant documentation and national data relating to the enabling environment for human rights defenders. It is worth noting that the assessment was multi–sectoral, whereby the Commission involved both State and non-state actors in the assessment and validation of the information gathered. The Commission, having considered the findings, presents the following recommendations to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in order to ensure that HRDs operate freely and safely, and that Kenya fulfils its human rights commitments under national and international human rights law. Download advisory
AN ADVISORY ON THE SITUATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS IN KENYA
SUBMITTED TO THE MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL PROTECTION
JULY 2025
In 2023, the Commission carried out an assessment of the situation of human rights defenders through a comprehensive review of legislation, policies, relevant documentation and national data relating to the enabling environment for human rights defenders. It is worth noting that the assessment was multi–sectoral, whereby the Commission involved both State and non-state actors in the assessment and validation of the information gathered. The Commission, having considered the findings, presents the following recommendations to the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection in order to ensure that HRDs operate freely and safely, and that Kenya fulfils its human rights commitments under national and international human rights law. Download advisory
AN ADVISORY ON THE SITUATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS IN KENYA
SUBMITTED TO THE CLERKS OF THE SENATE AND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
JULY 2025
In 2023, the Commission carried out an assessment of the situation of human rights defenders through a comprehensive review of legislation, policies, relevant documentation and national data relating to the enabling environment for human rights defenders. It is worth noting that the assessment was multi–sectoral, whereby the Commission involved both State and non-state actors in the assessment and validation of the information gathered. The Commission, having considered the findings, presents the following recommendations aimed at ensuring that human rights defenders operate freely and safely, and that Kenya fulfils its obligations under national and international human rights law. It further seeks the intervention of Parliament, through the relevant Departmental Committees, to facilitate and oversee the effective implementation of the interventions. Download advisory
Advisory To The National Assembly Departmental Committee On Defence, Intelligence, And Foreign Relations On The Alleged Human Rights Violations By The British Army Training Unit In Kenya (BATUK)
This is an advisory submitted by KNCHR to the National Assembly Defense, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations Committee sheds light on grave human rights abuses at the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) base in Nanyuki, Laikipia County. Over the course of three decades, the report documents numerous instances of severe misconduct, including sexual assault, killings, maiming, environmental degradation, and unfair dismissal of local staff. Notable cases highlighted in the report include the tragic death of a nine-year-old boy due to unexploded ordnance left by BATUK forces and the unresolved killing of Agnes Wanjiru by a British soldier. Additionally, the report details instances of rape, intimidation of whistleblowers, and a hit-and-run incident involving a BATUK trailer. KNCHR's oral submissions to Members of Parliament underscore the urgent need for accountability and justice in the Kenya-UK military relationship, emphasizing concerns about the prioritization of military cooperation over addressing human rights violations. Download Advisory
Advisory on the Delimitation and Boundary Review Process in Kenya
The boundary and delimitation process in Kenya was part of the electoral reforms that were proposed by the Kreigler report which set out to provide the principles to guide the process. Some of the principles indicated that the delimitation of Constituencies should be the equality of the vote and the maximum departure from that principle should be clearly defined in the law. Consideration of other criteria such as density of population, population trends, and means of communication, geographical features and community of interests should be retained but they should interfere minimally with the basic principle of equality of voting strength. Read more...