The government has initiated the disbursement of compensation to victims of human‑rights abuses associated with protests, releasing Ksh448.7 million to 348 survivors in the initial round.
On Tuesday, June 23, the Panel of Experts on Compensation for Victims of Human Rights Violations announced that the payments will cover those impacted by protests and demonstrations from 2013 to 2025.
The panel divided the victims into six harm categoriesfatalities, severe injuries, moderate injuries, and economic loss.
‘The Panel of Experts on Compensation for Victims of Human Rights Violations, including those arising from demonstrations and public protests during 2013 to 2025, has officially begun the reparations process by granting compensation to eligible and verified victims,’ the statement read.
The panel clarified that initial compensation will only be issued to victims who have been authenticated and have consented to the process.
‘Only consenting individuals are being compensated; consent is the final requirement for a beneficiary to receive payment. Eligible beneficiaries are urged to provide consent promptly,’ it added.
In the first phase, the panel identified 115 fatalities, each family receiving Ksh3 million, totalling Ksh345 million.
Additionally, 24 victims with severe injuries were granted Ksh1 million each, while 137 victims with moderate injuries received Ksh500 000 each.
Sixty victims with minor injuries were awarded Ksh50 000 each.
The panel also paid eight victims of aggravated sexual offences Ksh1 million each, and four individuals who suffered economic losses received Ksh50 000 each.
The statement added that every approved claim underwent a verification process, including registration, authentication, harm categorisation, approval, and disbursement in accordance with the reparations guidelines set by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
The decision followed the presidential announcement by William Ruto that compensation would be forthcoming.
Complaints from certain victims, who feel excluded from the compensation roll, were also noted.