The Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations has dismissed claims that the compensation programme has stalled, saying payments to verified victims are continuing.

In a statement issued on Thursday, July 9, 2026, Panel Chairperson Prof Makau Mutua said information circulating that the programme had stopped was false and urged the public to rely on official communication.

“The Panel has compensated victims and continues to do so,” Mutua said. “The response from victims has been highly positive, reflected in the sharp increase in claims submitted and the growing trust in the Panel.”

The panel said compensation for victims of human rights violations, including those arising from demonstrations and public protests, is being processed on a rolling basis as more claims are received and verified.

Mutua said the verification process is necessary to ensure payments are made to the rightful beneficiaries.

Compensation process

The panel said every claim undergoes verification, authentication and review before approval.

It said eligibility is confirmed and the consent of every claimant obtained before compensation is released.

“This rigorous approach is not a delay; it is a safeguard against fraud and a guarantee that public funds are directed to those who genuinely deserve them. The Panel will not compromise on this standard of accountability,” Mutua said.

The panel reported that more than Ksh674.1 million has so far been paid to 505 verified victims.

The amount includes Ksh448.7 million disbursed during the initial phase and Ksh225.4 million released in the latest tranche covering 157 claims.

According to the panel, the latest payments included compensation for families of people who died during demonstrations, victims who sustained severe, moderate and minor injuries, as well as survivors of aggravated sexual offences.

Mutua encouraged victims who have not submitted claims to do so, saying the programme remains open.

“The programme will continue on a rolling basis until every eligible victim is compensated,” he said.

The panel also said psychological counselling and psychosocial support services are available at its offices located on the ground floor of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.

“Justice extends beyond financial compensation,” the statement said.

Transparency measures

The panel said it will periodically publish and gazette the names of beneficiaries, with a final list to be released after completion of the compensation programme in line with the law.

“We assure the public that at the end of the compensation process, the full list will be made public in accordance with the law and in full compliance with accountability and transparency.”

It said publication of beneficiaries’ names would only be done with the consent of each beneficiary as required under the Data Protection Act.

The panel also urged members of the public to avoid sharing unverified information about the programme, saying inaccurate reports create confusion and distress among victims.

“Our offices located at the Kenya International Conference Centre (KICC), Ground Floor, Nairobi remain open to all victims,” Mutua said.

Victims can also contact the panel through its official email or telephone line for assistance with compensation claims.