Amnesty International Kenya has welcomed the publication of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) Framework for Reparations for Victims of Human Rights Violations, describing it as an important step toward addressing abuses linked to demonstrations, public protests, and other violations.
In a statement, Amnesty International Kenya said the framework marks a significant milestone in efforts to pursue truth, justice, accountability and reparations for victims of human rights violations.
The organisation said victims of unlawful killings, torture, enforced disappearances, sexual violence and arbitrary arrests had for many years carried the effects of the harm they suffered without acknowledgement or remedies from the State. It said the KNCHR framework provides an opportunity to address those injustices through what it described as a victim-centred and rights-based programme.
Amnesty International Kenya said it was encouraged that several recommendations from its April 2026 submission had been incorporated into the framework.
It noted that the framework recognises reparations as an independent right that should not depend on the completion of criminal, disciplinary or civil proceedings.
The organisation also welcomed the recommendation for a formal public apology, saying such an apology should acknowledge State responsibility and the suffering experienced by victims while being accompanied by measures aimed at preventing similar violations in the future.
It further praised provisions that strengthen victim participation in the design, implementation and monitoring of reparations programmes, saying victims should be recognised as rights-holders.
The organisation also supported calls for the review and termination of criminal proceedings against human rights defenders and protesters facing terrorism-related charges for actions linked to the exercise of constitutional rights under Article 37.
Amnesty International Kenya said recognition of memorialisation as part of reparations was important in preventing denial and recurrence of violations.
It also welcomed recommendations relating to missing persons and enforced disappearances, including proposals for national legislation and ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.
According to the organisation, the framework's adoption of a low evidentiary threshold could improve access for victims who face challenges obtaining official documentation.
It added that minimum compensation awards across categories of violations would provide a baseline while allowing consideration of individual circumstances and the severity of harm.
Despite welcoming the framework, Amnesty International Kenya said implementation would be critical to its success. The organisation argued that reparations alone could not deliver justice and said accountability for police and security agencies remained a key concern.
"Kenya has witnessed over 200 killings during demonstrations between 2024 and 2026, yet only a handful of cases have reached the courts. Victims and families deserve more than financial redress; they deserve truth, accountability, and justice," said George Morara, Executive Director of Amnesty International Kenya.
The organisation called on the Government of Kenya to establish a Reparations Fund, enact comprehensive legislation, adopt a National Reparations Policy and allocate resources to support timely and effective redress for victims.
Morara said publication of the framework was an important acknowledgement of victims' rights, but stressed that compensation alone could not reverse the effects of serious violations.
"Reparations must proceed alongside urgent efforts to investigate, prosecute, and hold perpetrators accountable, ensuring such violations never happen again," he said.
