By Andrew Kariuki
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has unveiled proposed compensation guidelines offering payouts of up to Ksh4 million for victims of human rights violations during protests.
Under the draft Reparations Guidelines, 2026, the Commission is inviting public participation and memoranda before April 27, 2026, as it seeks to formalise a structured compensation framework for affected individuals and families.
The proposals outline varying compensation tiers depending on the nature and severity of violations.
Victims of fatal shootings, deaths in custody or during demonstrations are set to receive a minimum of Ksh3,000,000, alongside medical and funeral expenses and a public apology.
Those subjected to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) are proposed to receive at least Ksh4,000,000, in addition to medical care, psychosocial support under the Social Health Authority (SHA), and a formal apology.
Victims of enforced disappearances and abductions would receive a minimum of Ksh2,000,000 and access to psychosocial support.
The framework also provides compensation for other violations, including:
Ksh1,000,000 for severe physical injuries such as gunshot wounds or amputations
Ksh500,000 for moderate injuries such as fractures
Ksh100,000 for minor injuries
Ksh250,000 for psychological trauma
Ksh200,000 for unlawful arrest or detention
Ksh100,000 for property damage or loss, subject to valuation
KNCHR said all eligible victims will be required to submit claims detailing the nature of violations, supported by evidence such as medical reports, police abstracts and other relevant documentation.
Claims may be filed by individuals, representatives, groups, or organisations acting in the public interest, with submissions accepted through prescribed forms, oral statements or official electronic channels.
The Commission noted that all applications will undergo verification, including document authentication, witness interviews and site visits before beneficiaries are shortlisted.
“In effecting reparations, the Implementing Agency shall cooperate with relevant government institutions to provide the most effective support,” KNCHR said in a statement.
Compensation will take into account the severity of harm, duration of violation, socio-economic impact and costs incurred, including medical and legal expenses.
The Commission added that decisions on compensation will be communicated within 30 days, with provisions allowing dissatisfied applicants to seek review where new evidence is presented.
The initiative follows growing calls for accountability over protest-related violations reported in 2017, 2024 and 2025.
In the 2025/2026 supplementary budget, the government allocated Ksh2 billion towards compensation of victims of demonstrations and alleged police brutality.
