State commits to respect human rights, freedoms

Kenya is committed to guaranteeing citizens their human rights and fundamental freedoms, Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura has said.

In a statement issued to mark International Human Rights Day, Mwaura acknowledged challenges persist even as the country celebrates significant progress in the promotion and protection of human rights.

“It is only by upholding human rights and fundamental freedoms that we build trust, strengthen democracy, and ensure that development benefits all Kenyans,” he said.

He added that the theme of this year’s celebrations, "Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now," affirms the urgent need to protect and promote the dignity and freedoms of every individual, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

Adopted 76 years ago, the UDHR lays the foundation for modern human rights frameworks, which guarantee fundamental rights for all including equality, justice, inclusivity, education, and healthcare.

Mwaura noted that Kenya has ratified international conventions, among them the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

“Further, the country recently marked 20 years of the inclusion of disability rights through national legislation,” he stated.

He noted that Chapter Four of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 provides for fundamental rights and freedoms using a human rights-based approach.

“This framework is central towards the implementation of various development blueprints, including the Kenya Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda,” he added.

He regretted that femicide has been on the rise, with 97 women regrettably being killed in 90 days and another 150 who lost their lives in 2023.

“The government condemns these acts in the strongest of terms and stands in solidarity with the families and friends of the departed. In collaboration with both state and non-state actors, the state is actively working towards addressing these challenges to ensure to all Kenyans their human rights and fundamental freedoms,” he assured.

He urged Kenyans to strive to uphold the rights of those most vulnerable amongst including women, children, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities and marginalised communities.