NAIROBI, Kenya- The government has disbursed more than Sh1 billion in compensation under a reparations programme for victims of human rights violations linked to demonstrations, public protests and related incidents.
The Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations said it had processed 1,083 claims involving deaths, injuries, sexual violence and economic losses.
The panel’s midterm records show that Sh1.014 billion has been paid out through the programme.
Compensation is being issued on a rolling basis after each application undergoes verification, authentication, categorisation and approval.
The process covers civilians and uniformed officers who suffered rights violations during the period under review.
The panel has also settled 139 claims involving verified economic losses, mainly affecting owners of small and informal businesses whose livelihoods or property were disrupted during protests.
Applicants seeking compensation for economic losses are required to provide evidence such as business records, police reports, photographs and witness statements.
“Demonstrations, public protests and related incidents have often disrupted livelihoods, enterprises and property,” the panel said.
At least 100 claims submitted by uniformed officers have also been approved, meaning the programme is not restricted to civilians.
The government is currently implementing the fourth and fifth phases of the compensation exercise.
Under Phase IV, the panel approved 96 civilian claims involving nine deaths, 32 severe injuries, 28 moderate injuries, 14 minor injuries and 13 cases of economic loss.
The claims attracted compensation amounting to Sh74.35 million.
The same phase covered claims by uniformed officers involving one death, four moderate injuries and 24 minor injuries, valued at Sh7.4 million.
Phase V includes 83 civilian claims comprising two deaths, 80 aggravated injuries and one economic-loss case. The victims were awarded a combined Sh10.5 million.
Another 99 claims involving uniformed officers were approved under the phase. They included one death, four severe injuries, one aggravated injury, 19 moderate injuries and 75 minor injuries.
Compensation for officers under Phase V totals Sh22.75 million, bringing the combined value of awards in the two latest phases to Sh113.8 million.
The panel also approved payments above the standard scale for two people—one civilian and one uniformed officer—after reviewing their medical reports and additional information.
It will recommend that President William Ruto enrol the two victims in a government-funded lifetime medical scheme because their injuries require long-term care.
The compensation programme has faced legal challenges. The panel has set aside Sh105 million following directions issued in High Court Petition No. E488 of 2026.
The funds have been ring-fenced for victims of torture and enforced disappearances pending the determination of the case.
The panel said financial compensation did not replace criminal accountability or other legal remedies available to victims.
“Reparations should also contribute to institutional reform and guarantees of non-repetition,” it said.
