KNCHR Concludes National Public Participation Forum on Draft (Complaints and Enforcement) Regulations, 2025

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has successfully convened a Public Participation Forum on the Draft KNCHR (Complaints and Enforcement) Regulations, 2025, held at Olive Gardens Hotel, Nairobi. The forum brought together a wide range of stakeholders to contribute insights on improving the Commission’s complaints-handling, investigations, and enforcement mechanisms ensuring they are timely, accessible, and responsive to the needs of the public.

The forum was grounded in the constitutional imperative of public participation as outlined under Article 10 of the Constitution of Kenya, and underscored KNCHR’s commitment to inclusive, rights-based regulatory reform. Attendees included representatives from constitutional commissions, independent offices, state and county governments, civil society organizations, academia, grassroots movements, and members of the public.

Fostering a Culture of Human Rights Accountability

Participants underscored the critical importance of strengthening Kenya’s human rights architecture in the face of rising threats and shrinking civic space. Several stakeholders highlighted the need to counter resistance to accountability, stigma against human rights defenders, and delays in complaint resolution.

Contributions at the forum reflected the lived realities of many Kenyans and reinforced the urgency of having a legal framework that guarantees accessible, prompt, and impartial redress for victims of rights violations. The forum also called attention to the need for cultural shifts in institutions and broader society to uphold dignity, justice, and non-discrimination.

Draft KNCHR (Complaints and Enforcement) Regulations, 2025: Key Highlights

The draft regulations are designed to operationalize and strengthen the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Act, 2011, and align KNCHR’s enforcement functions with best practices in human rights protection. Key proposed provisions include:

• Standardized complaint intake processes, including the ability to initiate investigations suo moto (on the Commission’s own motion);

• Clear timeframes: 21 days to determine admissibility, 14 days for responses, and a 90-day limit for completing investigations (subject to extension in complex matters);

• Confidentiality guarantees for complainants and protection of sensitive data;

• Consolidation of related complaints to improve case management and reduce backlog;

• Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, including mediation and conciliation;

• Structured procedures for public hearings, enforcement follow-up, and application of findings under relevant legal frameworks such as the Prevention of Torture Act.

These provisions aim to enhance transparency, efficiency, and the quality of redress for complainants while safeguarding human rights defenders and vulnerable populations.

National Reach and Regional Insights

The Nairobi forum is part of a broader, nationwide consultation process. Similar forums were previously held in counties such as Garissa, Machakos, Mombasa, Uasin Gishu, and Nakuru, gathering region-specific inputs on barriers to accessing justice and practical proposals for localized engagement. Concerns raised during the county forums included the need for enhanced civic education, language accessibility, and decentralization of KNCHR services.

In Garissa, particular emphasis was placed on the low awareness of constitutional rights in arid and semi-arid regions. Participants urged the Commission to increase its presence in underserved areas and leverage community radio, elders’ councils, and faith-based networks for outreach and complaints lodging.

Inclusive Dialogue and Public Ownership

The forum featured participatory dialogue formats, including plenary discussions, thematic breakout sessions, and open-floor exchanges. Stakeholders contributed diverse views from formal legal reform recommendations to grassroots-led accountability strategies.

Participants emphasized:

• The importance of county-level KNCHR offices to reduce barriers to access;

• Integration of digital platforms to facilitate reporting and real-time complaint tracking;

• Protection of whistleblowers and human rights defenders operating in high-risk areas;

• Special consideration for marginalized populations, including informal sector workers, persons with disabilities, women, and sexual minorities.

Next Steps: Public Review and Submissions

KNCHR reaffirmed its commitment to incorporating public feedback into the final version of the regulations. The Commission invites written submissions from members of the public, institutions, and civil society groups up to 15th August 2025.

To submit feedback or review the draft regulations, contact:

📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.knchr.org (Draft regulations available for download)
📞 +254 700 000 000
📍 Physical submissions can be made at:
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Headquarters, CVS Plaza, Kasuku Road, Nairobi

About KNCHR

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) is an independent constitutional body established under Article 59 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, and operationalized under the KNCHR Act, 2011. Its mandate includes the promotion and protection of human rights, investigation of complaints, policy and legislative review, public education, and monitoring state compliance with international and domestic human rights obligations.

KNCHR operates from its head office in Nairobi and has regional offices in Mombasa, Kisumu, Kitale, Wajir, Isiolo, Garissa, and Nyahururu.