NAIROBI, June 23, 2026 — The government has launched a compensation programme for victims of human rights violations linked to demonstrations and public protests that occurred between 2013 and 2025, with Ksh448.7 million already disbursed to the first group of beneficiaries.
The announcement was made in Nairobi by the Uwiano Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations, which is overseeing the reparations process.
According to the panel’s Chairperson and Principal Coordinator, Prof. Makau Mutua, the initial phase of the programme covers 348 verified victims who suffered various forms of harm during the protests.
He described the initiative as a major step toward delivering justice, accountability and redress to affected citizens.
Prof. Mutua said the compensation exercise will continue until all eligible victims have received reparations.
“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,” he said.
The largest share of the compensation fund was allocated to families of those who lost their lives during the protests.
A total of 115 verified fatality cases received Ksh3 million each, amounting to Ksh345 million.
Victims who sustained moderate injuries accounted for the second-largest category, with 137 beneficiaries receiving Ksh500,000 each for a total of Ksh68.5 million.
The programme also compensated 24 victims classified as having suffered severe injuries and eight survivors of aggravated sexual offences. Each beneficiary in both categories received Ksh1 million, translating to allocations of Ksh24 million and Ksh8 million respectively.
Additionally, 60 individuals who sustained minor injuries received Ksh50,000 each, amounting to Ksh3 million, while four people compensated for economic losses received Ksh50,000 each, totaling Ksh200,000.
Prof. Mutua said all beneficiaries underwent a comprehensive vetting process designed to ensure transparency and prevent fraudulent claims. The verification framework followed reparations guidelines developed by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), including registration, authentication, categorisation of harm, approval and final disbursement.
He further noted that the names of compensated victims will be published periodically in the Kenya Gazette in compliance with the Data Protection Act, 2019, and to enhance public accountability.
The panel has also encouraged victims who have not yet submitted claims or provided their banking details to visit its offices at the Kenya International Conference Centre (KICC) in Nairobi for assistance.
The compensation programme marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s efforts to address past human rights violations and provide redress to victims affected during periods of civil unrest over the last decade