NAIROBI, Kenya — Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has pledged that the government will uphold citizens’ rights as guaranteed under the Constitution, during high-level talks with the European Union’s Special Representative for Human Rights, Kajsa Ollongren.
The meeting, held in Nairobi on February 11, focused on strengthening collaboration in advancing human rights, promoting democratic governance, and enhancing strategic cooperation in key sectors, including security.
Murkomen affirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding civil liberties and strengthening institutions that underpin Kenya’s constitutional democracy.
“Kenya remains committed to protecting every citizen’s rights as enshrined in law,” the CS said, noting that reforms within the security and justice sectors are aimed at aligning practice with constitutional standards.
The Cabinet Secretary briefed the EU envoy on ongoing programmes designed to deepen citizen inclusion, entrench a robust democratic culture, and reinforce independent oversight mechanisms. He cited the role of an independent judiciary, constitutional commissions, and a vibrant civil society as pillars of accountability under the 2010 Constitution.
The two leaders also discussed the ongoing modernization of the National Police Service (NPS), a reform agenda that includes digitization of criminal justice processes and enhanced capacity building.
Murkomen lauded the European Union’s support in strengthening institutional capacity and advancing the digitisation of Kenya’s criminal justice system. The meeting came a day after Kenya and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) signed a training Memorandum of Understanding in Geneva, Switzerland, aimed at boosting skills and international cooperation.
On her part, Ollongren congratulated Kenya on its recent election to the United Nations Human Rights Council. She said the position would enhance Kenya’s influence in advancing regional security, stability and human rights norms at the global level.
“Kenya’s election to the UN Human Rights Council underscores its growing leadership role on matters of governance and regional stability,” she said.
The meeting brought together senior officials from both sides. Ollongren was accompanied by EU Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger and other EU officers.
On the Kenyan side, those present included Principal Administrative Secretaries Beverly Opwora (National Administration) and Jacob Narengo (Internal Security), Secretary for National Administration Thomas Saka, Independent Policing Oversight Authority Commissioner Dr Annette Mbogoh, and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Police Service.
The engagement comes at a time when Kenya faces heightened scrutiny over policing conduct and public order management, even as the government reiterates its commitment to constitutional safeguards, including the Bill of Rights under Chapter Four of the Constitution.
Both sides expressed optimism that a continued partnership between Kenya and the European Union would strengthen institutional reforms, enhance accountability, and reinforce the rule of law in line with international human rights standards.
