The government has officially commenced compensation payments to victims of human rights violations arising from demonstrations and public protests between 2013 and 2025, with 348 verified victims set to receive a total of KSh448.7 million in the first phase of the programme.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations led by by Prof. Makau Mutua, said compensation is being disbursed to eligible claimants who have completed the consent process.
“It is important to note that only those who have consented to this process are being compensated. Consent is the final act that a beneficiary must give to receive compensation,” Makau Mutua said.
Mutua urged eligible beneficiaries who have not yet provided consent to do so without delay to facilitate payment.
According to him, the compensation programme will be implemented continuously until every verified victim has been compensated.
“We are committed to ensuring every verified victim is compensated, promptly, fairly, and with the dignity they deserve,” he said. “In line with the core principle of transparency and accountability, the Panel will provide regular updates to the public on the progress of the compensation programme.”
Fatality cases account for the largest share of the first phase of compensation. A total of 115 verified victims in the fatality category will receive Ksh3 million each, amounting to Ksh345 million.
The programme will also compensate 24 victims who suffered severe injuries at Ksh1 million each, 137 victims with moderate injuries at Ksh500,000 each, and 60 victims with minor injuries at Ksh50,000 each.
Eight victims classified under aggravated sexual offences will receive Ksh1 million each, while four victims who suffered economic losses will receive Ksh50,000 each.
The panel described the launch of compensation payments as a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice and reparations.
“To the victims, the long wait is over. Today, we begin to make right what was wrong,” the statement read. “Your courage in coming forward has made this day possible. We honour your resilience and your dignity.”
The panel said all approved claims underwent a comprehensive administrative process outlined in reparations guidelines developed by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), including registration, verification, authentication, categorisation, approval and disbursement.
It further announced that the names of compensated victims will be published periodically in the Kenya Gazette in accordance with the Data Protection Act, 2019.
The panel also called on victims who are yet to file claims or submit their banking and payment details to do so promptly.
