NAIROBI, Kenya — Amnesty International Kenya has formally announced the start of a search for a new Executive Director, with long-serving rights advocate Irungu Houghton set to conclude his tenure in June 2026 after eight years at the helm.
In a statement released on Friday, February 6, 2026, the organisation described Houghton’s departure as the close of a “transformative” chapter that reshaped Amnesty Kenya into a democratic, independent, and member-governed human rights section.
Houghton, who joined Amnesty Kenya in January 2018, said he would leave office with a sense of accomplishment, citing fulfilled promises to grow membership, diversify funding, strengthen campaigning capacity, and guide the transition from an international secretariat office to an autonomous national section.
“When I joined in January 2018, I promised to grow membership, diversify funding, strengthen our campaigning muscle, and guide the transition to an independent, democratic, and member-governed Section,” he said.
“We have delivered on every one of those promises.”
According to Amnesty Kenya, membership expanded eightfold during Houghton’s tenure, culminating in the establishment of 165 Circles of Conscience across 35 counties.
The organisation’s budget also grew by 150pc, with funding increasingly drawn from member subscriptions, individual donations, and multi-year funders—reducing reliance on external donors.
Beyond growth metrics, the organisation said Houghton leaves behind a strengthened institutional framework, including improved internal governance and the establishment of a member-elected Board, a milestone that anchored Amnesty Kenya’s democratic credentials within the global Amnesty International movement.
“For nearly a decade, our award-winning campaigns against police brutality, threats to digital privacy, discrimination, and restrictions on the right to protest have offered hope to many Kenyans,” the statement said, crediting Houghton’s visible and outspoken leadership for elevating Amnesty Kenya’s national and international standing.
Board Chairperson Dr Stellah Bosire said the leadership transition reflected institutional maturity rather than instability, describing the succession process as professional, competitive, and independent.
“A smooth leadership transition is not just procedural; it is a sign of a confident and mature organisation,” Dr Bosire said. “The Board is initiating a professional, fair and independent recruitment process to identify the next Executive Director.”
The Board said the outcome of the recruitment process will be announced later in the year.
Houghton, who became Amnesty Kenya’s first Life Member in 2025, said he would remain part of the human rights movement even after leaving office, at a time when constitutional freedoms face increasing pressure both locally and globally.
“At a time when millions face threats to constitutional freedoms at home and the erosion of the international human rights system, Amnesty remains a vital force and a moral compass,” he said.
The transition comes amid heightened scrutiny of civil liberties in Kenya, including policing practices, digital surveillance, and restrictions on public assembly—issues Amnesty Kenya has consistently litigated and campaigned against.
The organisation said it would continue building on the foundation laid over the past eight years as it prepares for the next phase of leadership, reiterating its commitment to ensuring “everyone is safe, dignified and free.”
