The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has opened a nationwide public participation process on the Draft Reparations Guidelines 2026, inviting citizens and stakeholders to submit memoranda and comments aimed at strengthening justice and compensation mechanisms for victims of human rights violations.
In a public notice issued in line with Article 10(2)(a) of the Constitution of Kenya, the Commission said the consultative process is designed to enhance transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in shaping policies that directly affect victims across the country.
KNCHR, an independent national human rights institution established under Article 59 of the Constitution and operationalised through the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Act Cap 71, said the proposed guidelines form part of broader reforms to ensure victims receive accessible, effective, and timely reparations.
In accordance with Article 10(2)(a) of the Constitution, stakeholders and members of the public have been invited to submit hard or soft copies of memoranda, comments, and input.
Public participation process
The development of the Draft Reparations Guidelines follows a High Court judgment delivered on 4 December 2025 in Kerugoya involving consolidated petitions HCCHPET E010, E011, and E014 of 2024.
The initiative is also anchored in Presidential Proclamation No. 1 of 2026 and Kenya Gazette Notice No. 3114 issued on 6 March 2026, providing the legal basis for the formulation of the guidelines.
The Commission said the framework is designed to provide a structured approach to compensation, restitution, rehabilitation, and other forms of redress for individuals and communities affected by human rights violations.
Officials noted that public input will play a central role in refining the document before it is finalised and implemented.
Stakeholders and members of the public have been urged to submit feedback in either hard or soft copy format.
Submissions can be sent via email to reparations@knchr.org, delivered by post to P.O. Box 74359 00200, Nairobi, or submitted at KNCHR headquarters and regional offices nationwide.
The Commission has provided a standard template to guide submissions, requiring respondents to indicate the relevant page or guideline, quote the specific provision they are commenting on, propose amendments, and provide reasons for their recommendations.
The participatory process is expected to help shape a responsive and victim centred reparations system while strengthening Kenya broader human rights protection framework.
