KNCHR Races Against Deadline as 1,224 Victims Seek Reparations

By Brian Kiprono - Reporter

Kenya, 2 April 2026 - More than 1,200 Kenyans affected by human rights violations are now at the centre of a national push for justice, after the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) identified 1,224 victims eligible for compensation under a proposed reparations framework.

In a statement released on Wednesday, KNCHR said the list is currently undergoing verification before it is submitted to President William Ruto, following a directive to develop a national compensation plan.

“So far, the Commission has compiled a list of 1,224 victims of human rights violations, which is undergoing verification in line with the eligibility criteria,” said KNCHR Chairperson Claris Ogangah.

The cases span a wide range of violations, including extrajudicial killings, torture, abductions and enforced disappearances, as well as evictions, sexual and gender-based violence, and loss of property and livelihoods.

The commission noted that the exercise is part of a broader process to develop a structured reparations framework. Ogangah said consultations are ongoing with victims, government agencies and civil society groups to shape the final document.

“Upon input from stakeholders, a draft Reparations Framework will be generated and thereafter subjected to extensive public participation in line with the Constitution,” she said.

However, KNCHR warned that progress has been slowed by limited funding, urging the National Treasury to release allocated funds to support nationwide outreach and ensure the process is inclusive.

More from Kenya

MP on the Run as Political Clashes Leave Several Shot

ODM Rolls Out Grassroots Campaign as Race for 2027 Intensifies

“The Commission continues to urge the National Treasury to release the funds allocated by Parliament… so that KNCHR can fully discharge this critical constitutional and human rights mandate,” Ogangah added.

Victims, including those affected during protests and demonstrations, have now been asked to submit supporting documents by Friday, April 3, to validate their claims. Required documents include medical reports, police records, post-mortem reports and witness statements.

To ease access, KNCHR said it will keep its offices open on the public holiday to receive submissions. Victims can report physically at its Nairobi headquarters or through online and mobile platforms, with regional offices across the country also receiving claims.

The verification exercise marks a significant step in Kenya’s effort to formally recognise victims of past abuses and lay the groundwork for compensation, even as pressure mounts on the government to fund and fast-track the process.