More than 1200 victims of human rights violations have been listed by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) in the ongoing reparations and compensation process.
The Commission’s chairperson Claris Ogangah announced that they have so far compiled a list of 1,224 victims which is currently undergoing verification in line with the eligibility criteria.
The figures are part of the ongoing process by the commission to develop a national framework that will guide compensation and redress for victims and to address years of abuse.
President William Ruto directed KNCHR to develop a Framework for Compensation and Reparations to Victims of Human Rights Violations within 60 days as part of the government’s plan to compensate victims of protests.
“KNCHR has simultaneously been compiling a list of victims of Human Rights violations which, upon verification, will be submitted to the President together with the Reparations Framework,” said Ogangah.
Ogangah said the cases of gross human rights violations currently undergoing verifications include extrajudicial killings, torture, abductions and enforced disappearances, evictions, sexual and gender-based violence, loss of property and loss of livelihoods.
The Commission called on the victims of human rights violations, including victims of protests and demonstrations, to report to the KNCHR and submit all the relevant documents.
Among the supporting documents the Commission requires for verification of the claims include P3 forms, medical reports, OB reports, post-mortem report, witness statements, among other relevant documents.
The progress update comes days after human rights groups, victims and families of those killed during protests raised concerns over transparency and clarity of the process.
They had complained that many did not know the kind of documents required to register their cases and the designated for submissions.
“The Commission has since developed a roadmap and prepared a working document that is guiding consultations with various stakeholders including victims and survivors, relevant government agencies, Civil Society Organizations and various interest groups,” she added.
The commission noted that the draft report compiled after the feedback from stakeholders will be subjected to public participation before its final submission to president Ruto.
In a previous communication, the chairperson stated that the commission will prioritize deaths and physical injuries suffered during protests from 2017-2025.
However, Ogangah acknowledged that the commission has not undertaken proper outreach amid concerns by victims and families that many could not get to the designated reporting offices.
The commission asked those seeking to register for compensation to visit any of their six regional offices before the April 3, 2026 deadline.
“The Commission shall remain open on Friday 3rd April, despite being a public holiday, to give room to Kenyans who may want to present their reports at its Head Office or Regional Offices,” said the chairperson.
“The KNCHR has not been able to undertake country-wide outreach as was envisaged and expected by the public due to lack of budgetary allocation,” said Ogangah.
However, the process has faced setbacks with the commission’s chairperson faulting the National Treasury for delayed disbursement of funds to the commission.
“The Commission continues to urge the National Treasury to release the funds allocated by Parliament to the Commission without further delay, so that KNCHR can fully discharge this critical constitutional and human rights mandate effectively and efficiently,” she urged.
