President William Ruto has directed the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) to develop a comprehensive framework that will guide compensation for victims of human rights violations during public protests.
In a gazette notice dated Friday, March 6, the President instructed the commission to formulate and submit a framework outlining how victims of demonstrations; including those linked to the youth-led protests witnessed in 2024 and 2025, will be compensated.
“I, William Ruto, do require the KNCHR to develop and submit a framework to guide compensation and reparations to victims of violations of human rights, including those arising from demonstrations and public protests,” part of the proclamation read.
Under the directive, KNCHR has been given 60 days from the date of the proclamation to complete the framework and publish a detailed report outlining how the compensation process will be carried out.
“The Commission is to submit, publish and publicise a report containing the said framework within sixty days of the date of this Proclamation, in accordance with the Constitution and the applicable law,” the notice further stated.
According to the President, the framework will address cases involving loss of life, permanent injuries, and other human rights violations that may have occurred during demonstrations.
Ruto noted that the directive is anchored in Article 131 of the Constitution, which requires the Head of State to safeguard the rule of law and protect human rights.
The move follows guidance issued by the High Court of Kenya sitting in Kerugoya, which indicated that the appropriate institution to handle matters relating to compensation of protest victims is the human rights commission.
The new proclamation also replaces an earlier directive issued in August last year, where the President had established a separate framework to oversee reparations for victims affected by demonstrations, protests and riots.
Under the revised arrangement, the panel of experts created under the previous proclamation will now be restructured to function as an internal administrative mechanism within the Office of the President.
“It is directed that the panel of experts established pursuant to the earlier proclamation shall be re-established as an internal administrative mechanism within the Office of the President,” the notice stated, adding that the panel will not exercise supervisory authority over KNCHR’s work.
In a separate notice, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei appointed a panel of experts to support the implementation of the compensation framework once it is developed.
The panel will be chaired by Makau Mutua and includes Kennedy Ogeto, John Olukuru, Kennedy Barasa Simiyu, Linda Musumba, Duncan Ojwang’, Naini Lankas, Francis Muraya, Juliet Chepkemei, Pius Metto, Raphael Anampiu, John Maina and Churchill Suba.
The team will serve for 90 days and will operate within the Office of the President to help facilitate the implementation of the compensation plan once KNCHR finalises the framework, with an emphasis on transparency, accountability and proper record-keeping.
