By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, June 23, 2026 - The government has commenced compensation for victims of human rights violations linked to demonstrations and public protests, disbursing Ksh448.7 million to 348 verified beneficiaries in the first phase of the programme.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations, which said the payments cover violations committed between 2013 and 2025. The panel noted that compensation is currently being processed for beneficiaries who have completed and consented to the compensation process.
In a statement signed by Chairperson Prof. Makau Mutua, the panel emphasized that consent is the final requirement before compensation can be released and urged eligible beneficiaries who have not yet done so to complete the process promptly.
The largest share of the payout has been allocated to families of victims who lost their lives during the period under review. A total of 115 families will each receive Ksh3 million, amounting to Ksh345 million. Another 24 victims classified under severe injuries will receive Ksh1 million each, while 137 individuals who sustained moderate injuries will be compensated Ksh500,000 each, totalling Ksh68.5 million.
The compensation package also includes Ksh3 million for 60 victims who suffered minor injuries, with each receiving Ksh50,000. Eight victims of aggravated sexual offences will receive Ksh1 million each, amounting to Ksh8 million, while four claimants who suffered economic losses will each receive Ksh50,000.
According to the panel, the current disbursement marks the beginning of a continuing compensation programme that will remain in place until all verified and eligible victims have been compensated.
The panel stated that every approved claim underwent a rigorous process that included registration, verification, authentication, categorization of harm, approval, and eventual disbursement, in line with Reparations Guidelines developed by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
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Addressing victims, the panel acknowledged the lengthy wait many had endured and described the compensation exercise as an important step toward justice and recognition of their suffering.
"To the victims, the long wait is over. Today, we begin to make right what was wrong. Your courage in coming forward has made this day possible. We honour your resilience and your dignity," the statement said.
To promote transparency and accountability, the panel announced that the names of compensated beneficiaries will be published periodically in the Kenya Gazette in accordance with the Data Protection Act, 2019. Regular updates on the programme's implementation will also be provided to the public.
The panel further urged victims who are yet to submit claims or provide banking and payment details to do so as soon as possible to facilitate processing of future compensation phases.
The Uwiano Panel of Experts was established to oversee compensation for victims of human rights violations, including those arising from demonstrations and public protests that occurred between 2013 and 2025.