Over 500 victims of rights violations receive Ksh674M as compensation
By Francis Muli, July 3, 2026The government’s Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations has disbursed more than Ksh674 million to 505 victims, as it stepped up efforts to compensate people affected by human rights abuses linked to demonstrations and public protests.
In a progress update issued on Friday, July 3, 2026, the panel said it had received more than 400 new claims in the past two weeks following a public appeal for victims to come forward, describing the response as “highly positive” and reflected in “the sharp increase in claims coming in.”
The panel said the latest phase of compensation covered 157 verified claims worth Ksh225.4 million, comprising compensation for fatalities, injuries and victims of sexual offences.
According to the panel, 57 families of victims who died during the demonstrations have each been awarded Ksh3 million, amounting to Ksh171 million. 19 victims who sustained severe injuries received Ksh1 million each, while 57 people with moderate injuries were awarded Ksh500,000 each.
A further 18 victims with minor injuries received Ksh50,000 each, while six survivors of aggravated sexual offences were awarded Ksh1 million each.
The panel said the latest disbursement brings the total amount paid out under the programme to Ksh674.1 million, including Ksh448.7 million released during the initial phase of compensation.
It noted that the 505 beneficiaries compensated so far represent 56 per cent of all claims received and processed, adding that many recipients had already confirmed receipt of the funds.
The panel said every approved claim had undergone rigorous verification and authentication to ensure that only eligible victims benefit from the programme.
“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,” the statement said.
It also urged victims who are yet to submit claims, provide consent or furnish their banking and payment details to do so without delay to facilitate processing of their compensation.
“The programme will continue on a rolling basis until every eligible victim is compensated. We remain committed to ensuring prompt, fair, and dignified compensation for all verified victims,” the panel said.
Responding to public concerns over whether cases involving enforced disappearances and torture would be considered, the panel said it had prepared a set of frequently asked questions to clarify the scope of the compensation programme.
Addressing victims directly, the panel said: “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.”
The panel further disclosed that psychological support services are available at its offices to assist victims dealing with emotional and mental health challenges arising from their experiences. Counselling and psychosocial care are being offered in a safe environment to those seeking assistance.
The compensation programme is being administered from the Kenya International Conference Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, where victims can lodge claims and access support services.