Human rights defenders to benefit from new protection hub

An ambitious initiative aimed at strengthening the protection and capacity of human rights defenders in Kenya has been unveiled amid growing concerns over shrinking civic space and rising threats against activists.

Defenders Coalition, a national organisation that works primarily to protect Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) in Kenya, announced plans to establish Haki Village, a resource hub designed to offer safety, training and support to those championing justice and accountability across the country.

Speaking during the launch, Defenders Coalition Executive Director Kamau Ngugi said the initiative would serve as a safe haven for activists and civil society actors operating in increasingly difficult environments.

“It will be a safe space for research, wellness, training and protection,” Ngugi said.

The launch comes at a time when concerns are growing over the safety of individuals and groups who speak against injustices, corruption and abuse of power, especially as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections begin to intensify.

Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) chairperson Claris Ogangah, who was the chief guest at the event, welcomed the initiative, saying it comes at a critical moment when many human rights defenders require protection and institutional support.

“Anybody who speaks against injustice needs to be protected,” Ogangah said.

She noted that the establishment of Haki Village complements the work already being undertaken by KNCHR and various civil society organisations seeking to safeguard civic space and uphold democratic freedoms in the country.

Ogangah warned that the period leading to the 2027 General Election is likely to witness increased political activity, including campaign rallies and demonstrations that may at times turn violent.

“As we head towards elections, there will be a lot of campaign rallies, demonstrations, which may be violent. Any violations of the law must be called out,” she said.

She reiterated the commission’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at protecting activists and individuals who expose wrongdoing and advocate for justice.

“We have seen this plan seeks to create a safer, just, conducive environment for human rights work, ensuring human rights defenders continue to play their vital role,” she added.

Ngugi said the initiative forms part of the organisation’s broader 2026 Strategic Plan, which will guide interventions over the next five years.

According to him, the civic space in Kenya continues to face increasing pressure and could deteriorate further as the country approaches the next General Election.

“The civic space in Kenya is repressed and may narrow towards closed status as we head to the 2027 General Elections and beyond,” he said.

Ngugi observed that threats against human rights defenders are becoming more complex and sophisticated even as both global and local environments for activism grow increasingly uncertain.

“The advancement of initiatives such as Haki Village signal a forward-looking approach for ensuring strong, independent and sustainable human rights defenders in the future,” he said.

He further argued that many countries, including Kenya, often fail to fully recognise and protect the important role played by human rights defenders, exposing them to intimidation, persecution and abuse.