Mapping of Organizations of and for Persons with Psychosocial and Intellectual Disabilities
In this concise and impactful report, the KNCHR tackles the critical issue of inclusivity for persons with disabilities in Kenya. By addressing concerns raised by the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the report highlights the lack of mechanisms for consultation and participation in legislation and public policy discussions. Through a comprehensive mapping exercise, the Commission creates a robust advocacy platform for over 100 organizations supporting individuals with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities. This platform will play a vital role in implementing and monitoring the Committee's recommendations, ensuring a brighter future for persons with disabilities in Kenya. Download Report
Still Silenced: A QualityRights Assessment of Selected Mental Health Facilities in Kenya
In this groundbreaking assessment, conducted between October 2019 and February 2020, the Commission, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders, examined mental health facilities in Kenya. Following the World Health Organization's QualityRights model, the evaluation focused on various human rights aspects. The findings and recommendations provided in this book shed light on the status of mental health care units in Kenya and suggest measures for improvement. A must-read for anyone interested in mental health advocacy and human rights. Download Report
Mental health and the Criminal Justice System
This is a book product of a research partnership between Kabarak University School of Law, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and Validity Foundation. It explores themes such as; the history of the McNaughten rules, the application of ‘guilty but insane’ special verdict, progressive jurisprudence of the Kenyan courts since 2015, the institutional framework related to the treatment of persons with mental illness in conflict with the law, and relevant comparative jurisprudential and scholarly commentary from Africa and the rest of the world. Download Report
Mapping Laws, Policies, and Programmes on Albinism and Existing Gaps and Mapping organizations of Persons with Albinism in Kenya
Discover the hidden struggles faced by persons with albinism in Kenya and their fight for inclusivity in society. This groundbreaking report delves into the challenges and risks encountered by individuals with albinism, from harmful superstitions to exclusion from essential services and development activities. By mapping existing laws, policies, and programs, as well as organizations supporting persons with albinism, this study uncovers the gaps in current systems and provides vital recommendations for change. Combining qualitative and quantitative approaches, the research sheds light on the situation in Kenya, drawing from comprehensive data analysis and engagement with stakeholders. Join the movement for a more inclusive society, where the rights of persons with albinism are fully recognized and protected. Download Report
An Anthology Commemorating The 2021 World Mental Health Day
Discover an inspiring anthology of poetry compiled from a competition hosted by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) in honor of the 2021 World Mental Health Day. These thought-provoking poems, written by talented young individuals, explore the theme of "Mental health in an unequal world: Together we can make a difference." Join us as we delve into their powerful words and gain insight into the challenges, experiences, and hopes surrounding mental well-being from the eyes of the youth. Together, let's promote understanding and advocate for positive change in the realm of mental health. Download Antholgy
Strength Beyond All Odds: Essays Commemorating International Albinism Awareness Day 2021
In this powerful compilation, the 2021 International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) is commemorated through a collection of essays on the theme "Strength Beyond All Odds." These thought-provoking essays, received from a diverse group of participants, challenge misconceptions surrounding albinism and offer a fresh perspective. Through their personal stories and insightful reflections, the writers shed light on the experiences of individuals with albinism, while inspiring conversations and advocating for their rights. This publication serves as a catalyst for increased knowledge and understanding, fostering a more inclusive society for this marginalized group. Download Publication
Review Of County Legislation on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
This research aims to explore to what extent legal reform has been achieved in Kenya to align laws, policies, and guidelines, at National and County level to the Constitution and CRPD standards. Download Report
Advisory on the Ratification of the African Disability Protocol
Article 59(2) (g) of the Constitution mandates the Commission to act as the principal organ of the State in ensuring compliance with obligations under treaties and conventions relating to human rights. The Commission is also the designated monitoring agency for persons with disabilities under Article 33(2) of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The African Disability Protocol was adopted on 29 January 2018 during the 30th Ordinary session of the Assembly to promote the respect, protection and the realization of the rights of persons with disabilities in Africa. Pursuant to its Constitutional mandate and special mandate to monitor the implementation of the rights of persons with disabilities in Kenya, the Commission makes this submission to the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Defense and Foreign Relations and Labour and Social Welfare to promote the ratification of the African Disability Protocol. Download Report
Memorandum On The Report Of The Ministry Of Health “Mental Health And Wellbeing: Towards Happiness And National Prosperity, 2020” :
The civil society stakeholders’ forum on mental health is a forum convened by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights and consisting of civil society organizations that work in the mental health sector. The stakeholders’ forum submits this memorandum which examines the findings and recommendations of the report on mental health and well-being and provides recommendations to duty bearers and stakeholders on the rights-based approach towards implementing the report. Download Report
Advisory on the African Disability Protocol
Under Article 59(2)(g) of the Constitution, the National Commission has a mandate to act as the principal organ of the State in ensuring compliance with obligations under treaties and conventions relating to human rights. The National Commission is also the monitoring agency for persons with disabilities under Article 33(2) of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This submission is made pursuant to the Commission’s mandate on promoting human rights for all, as well as the explicit monitoring role on rights of persons with disabilities borne by the Commission. Download Advisory
From Norm to Practice: A Status Report on Implementation of Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Kenya
This report evaluates the extent to which the State has fulfilled its obligations to protect, promote and fulfil the rights of persons with disabilities. It presents findings from 12 counties, which were monitored during the period 2011-2013, and other topical research conducted during the same period including the Briefing on Legal Capacity for Persons with Disabilities in Kenya. KNCHR herein makes a number of fundamental recommendations that the state should consider in working towards the realization of human rights of persons with disabilities. Download Report
Silenced Minds: The Systemic Neglect of The Mental Health State In Kenya
In response to a documentary on Kenya’s decaying mental health infrastructure aired by the Cable News Network (CNN) in February 2011, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) initiated an ‘audit’ of mental health care in Kenya from a human rights perspective, pursuant to its powers under Section 16(1) of the KNCHR Act (2002) and Article 59(2)(f) of the Constitution.To this end, KNCHR consulted with key stakeholders in the mental health sector, including the Ministry of Medical Services (MOMS), psychiatrists in practice and academia, non-government organisations providing services to people with mental disorders and staff and administrators at a number of mental health facilities around the country, which KNHCR also inspected. Download Report
Objects Of Pity or Individuals with Rights: The Right to Education for Children with Disabilities
This report is prepared with the core aim of advising the Government, including the President and Legislature, on policy, legislative and administrative reforms needed to enhance the right to education for persons with disabilities. This study was undertaken following complaints brought to the Commission alleging violation of the right to education of children with disabilities. These allegations presented themselves in terms of denial of admission or expulsion from regular schools on the basis of disability as well as the failure of the Government to fund some special schools. After undertaking initial investigations into the complaints, the National Commission decided to undertake wider research in order to establish the systemic nature of the problems confronting education for children with disabilities. Download Report
Briefing Paper: How to Implement Article 12 Of Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Regarding Legal Capacity in Kenya.
Article 12 of the Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) reaffirms that every person with disability has a right to equal recognition everywhere as persons before the law and further stipulates that States Parties shall take appropriate measures to ensure that persons with disabilities on equal basis with others are able to enjoy their legal capacity. In an attempt to unfold this Article and its interrelation to enjoyment of all other rights, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights in May 2012 held a brainstorming workshop with Disabled Persons Organization (DPO’s), persons with disabilities, state actors and non-state actors in which it was resolved that a research be conducted to assess enjoyment of legal capacity by persons with disabilities in Kenya and come up with a briefing paper as a guideline on how to implement Article 12 of the CRPD in Kenya. Download Report
Out of The Shadows Towards Ensuring the Rights of Stateless Persons and Persons At Risk Of Statelessness In Kenya
This research study examines the issue of statelessness within the Kenyan context. Drawing on fieldwork, it evaluates the human rights violations faced by stateless persons or those at risk of statelessness in the country. The study shows that these persons face difficulties in their quest to enjoy fundamental rights and freedoms relating to work, movement, education, property and health. The study makes specific policy, legal and administrative recommendations to various state and non-state actors that could alleviate these challenges as well as reduce the occurrence and the population of stateless persons or persons at risk of statelessness. Download Report