The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has identified at least 1,224 victims of human rights violations, including those linked to protests and demonstrations, as it works against a tight deadline to develop a national compensation and reparations framework.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, the Commission said the victims’ list is currently undergoing verification and will form part of a comprehensive report to be submitted to President William Ruto within 60 days, as directed under Gazette Notice No. 3114 of March 6, 2026.

Victims categories

According to KNCHR, the victims fall under multiple categories of gross human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, torture, abductions, enforced disappearances, evictions, and sexual and gender-based violence, as well as loss of property and livelihoods.

“The Commission has since developed a roadmap and prepared a working document that is guiding consultations with various stakeholders, including victims and survivors, relevant government agencies, Civil Society Organizations, and various interest groups. Upon input from stakeholders, a draft Reparations Framework will be generated and thereafter subjected to extensive public participation in line with the Constitution,” KNCHR stated.

“Further, the Commission has simultaneously been compiling a list of victims of Human Rights violations which, upon verification, will be submitted to the President together with the Reparations Framework. So far, the Commission has compiled a list of one thousand, two hundred and twenty-four (1,224) victims of human rights violations, which is undergoing verification in line with the eligibility criteria. The list encompasses various categories of gross human rights violations, key among them extrajudicial killings, torture, abductions and enforced disappearances, evictions, sexual and gender-based violence, loss of property, and loss of livelihoods.”

The Commission noted that the process is part of a broader effort to establish a structured framework for compensation and reparations for affected individuals across the country.

The directive from President Ruto requires the Commission to deliver the reparations framework within a strict 60-day timeline, piling pressure on KNCHR to complete consultations and verification processes swiftly.

To meet the deadline, the Commission has already developed a roadmap and a working document guiding engagements with victims, survivors, civil society organisations, and relevant government agencies.

Once stakeholder input is incorporated, a draft framework will be subjected to public participation in line with constitutional requirements before final submission.

Deadline for submission

The Commission has set Friday, April 3, 2026, as the deadline for submission of supporting documents, including medical reports, police records, post-mortem reports, and witness statements.

In a bid to accommodate more applicants, KNCHR announced that its offices will remain open on the public holiday to receive submissions.

Victims can file their claims at KNCHR’s head office in Nairobi or through its regional offices across the country, as well as via digital platforms including email, SMS, and WhatsApp.