KNCHR Chairperson Claris Awuor Ogangah-Onyango during a past address/FILE
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has begun developing a national framework to guide compensation and reparations for victims of human rights violations.
KNCHR chairperson Claris Ogangah said the commission has already started technical work to design what she described as a transparent and comprehensive process for victims and survivors.
Ogangah said the commission wishes to inform the public, victims and survivors that the process of developing a “Framework for Compensation and Reparations to victims of human rights violations” is underway.
She said the commission has initiated internal technical work and begun identifying areas most affected by protest-related and other violations.
According to Ogangah, KNCHR has also started engaging key stakeholders to ensure a credible framework that will guide a transparent and accountable reparations process.
“This work follows the landmark Judgment of the High Court in Kerugoya (Petition E010 of 2025 - consolidated) delivered on December 4, 2025, which affirmed the Commission’s constitutional mandate under Article 59 of the Constitution and the KNCHR Act, 2011, to design a reparations framework for human rights violations,” she said.
Ogangah said the process also follows a proclamation and gazette notice issued on March 6, 2026, by President William Ruto.
The notice, issued pursuant to Article 254(2) of the Constitution, requires KNCHR to submit a report containing a framework for compensation and reparations to victims within sixty days.
The commission acknowledged the pain and uncertainty experienced by victims and their families, as well as the concern that reparations have taken too long.
Ogangah said KNCHR reassures all affected persons that it remains committed to delivering what she described as “a human rights-based Compensation and Reparations Framework.”
She emphasised that financial compensation is only one part of reparations.
“At the same time, KNCHR emphasises that compensation, while important, is only one form of reparations,” she said.
Ogangah explained that an effective programme must include several elements.
These include compensation, restitution, rehabilitation, satisfaction and guarantees of non-repetition.
Restitution focuses on restoring rights and status where possible, while rehabilitation includes medical and psychosocial support.
Satisfaction may involve acknowledgement, apology, memorialisation and truth-telling. Guarantees of non-repetition include institutional reforms aimed at preventing similar violations in the future.
The commission has also adopted what Ogangah described as a clear roadmap for developing both a Reparations Policy and a Reparations Bill.
The roadmap includes the formation of technical committees bringing together KNCHR commissioners and staff, state institutions, independent oversight bodies, civil society organisations and representatives of victims and survivors.
KNCHR will submit its final report containing the reparations framework to the President as required under Article 254(2) of the Constitution and Section 53(3) of the KNCHR Act.
Ogangah said the process will be guided by national values and principles of governance, including public participation.
She said details of stakeholder engagements will be communicated through public notices, the KNCHR website, official social media platforms and face-to-face forums.
“The Commission will continuously update the public on progress through the media and community-level engagements,” she said.
The commission has also urged Parliament and the National Treasury to approve and release the funds required to support the process.
“The KNCHR reiterates its unwavering commitment to the rule of law, safeguarding human rights, and securing appropriate redress for all victims and survivors in line with international human rights principles and standards,” Ogangah said.
The commission has asked victims of human rights violations, including those affected during protests and demonstrations, to report their cases and submit supporting documents for verification by April 3, 2026.
Victims can contact KNCHR through SMS, telephone, email or visit the commission’s head office in Nairobi and its regional offices across the country.
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