Families of people killed during demonstrations and public protests between 2017 and 2025 will receive the largest share of the government’s latest compensation payout, taking home Ksh171 million out of the Ksh225.4 million approved under the second phase of the programme.

The compensation, announced on Friday, July 3, 2026, by the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations, covers 157 verified claims across five categories of victims.

Beneficiaries of 57 people who lost their lives will each receive Ksh3 million, bringing the total allocation for fatalities to Ksh171 million, about 76 per cent of the entire payout.

The second-largest allocation goes to victims with moderate injuries. A total of 57 people will each receive Ksh500,000, amounting to Ksh28.5 million.

Another 19 victims who sustained severe injuries will receive Ksh1 million each, for a total of Ksh19 million.

Six victims of aggravated sexual offences have also been approved for compensation of Ksh1 million each, bringing the allocation for that category to Ksh6 million.

Victims with minor injuries will receive the smallest share of the payout. Eighteen people will each be paid Ksh50,000, amounting to Ksh900,000.

The latest disbursement brings the total amount paid under the compensation programme to Ksh674.1 million for 505 victims. The first phase saw Ksh448.7 million paid out.

The programme was established following recommendations of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) to compensate victims of human rights violations committed during demonstrations and public protests between 2017 and 2025. The government has set aside Ksh2 billion for reparations covering killings, injuries, sexual violence, torture and enforced disappearances.

In a statement, the panel said it had received more than 400 new claims after calling on victims to come forward two weeks ago. It also received additional names from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

The panel said the payments represent 56 per cent of all claims received and processed, with many beneficiaries already confirming receipt of the funds.

“Every approved claim has undergone the strictest scrutiny for verification and authentication to confirm eligibility. We assure the public that at the end of the compensation process, we shall, in accordance with the law and in full compliance with accountability and transparency, make public the list of all the beneficiaries,” said the committee’s chairperson, Makau Mutua.

The panel urged victims who are yet to submit claims, provide consent or share their banking details to do so without delay, saying compensation will continue on a rolling basis until all eligible victims have been paid.

“To the victims, your courage in coming forward has made this possible. We continue to honour your resilience and dignity as we make steady progress, and we shall not rest until every victim gets justice,” Mutua said.