The government has started compensating victims of human rights violations linked to demonstrations and public protests, with KSh448.7 million already released to 348 beneficiaries in the first phase of the exercise.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations said the payments cover verified victims affected during protests and demonstrations between 2013 and 2025.
The compensation programme targets individuals and families who suffered different forms of harm, including loss of life, serious injuries, minor injuries, sexual violence and economic losses.
According to the panel, the first batch of payments has only been made to beneficiaries whose claims were verified and who consented to receive the compensation.
“Only those who have consented to this process are being compensated. Consent is the final step required before compensation can be released,” the panel said, urging eligible beneficiaries who are yet to complete the process to do so.
Families of 115 deceased persons from the protest received the highest amounts from the compensation. Each family member received KSh3 million, totaling KSh345 million in compensation in this category.
A total of 24 individuals, who were severely injured, were also compensated, and each of them received KSh1 million.
In the third category, a total of 137 individuals who were moderately injured received KSh500,000 each. 60 people, who were slightly injured, received KSh50,000 each.
Also, eight individuals who survived aggravated sexual offenses were compensated KSh1 million each, while four people who incurred economic losses were compensated KSh50,000 each.
The panel said every claim went through a detailed verification process that included registration, authentication, assessment of harm and approval before payment was made. The process was guided by reparations guidelines developed by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
The payments come just days after KNCHR presented its report on compensation for victims of protest-related violations to President William Ruto, paving the way for the release of funds.
The exercise has, however, attracted criticism from some victims and families who claim they were left out of the compensation list despite submitting their claims.
The government says the compensation programme will continue as more cases are reviewed and verified, with the aim of providing justice and support to victims who suffered during demonstrations and public protests over the last decade.