The Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations has officially begun disbursing reparations to victims of human rights violations arising from demonstrations and public protests between 2013 and 2025, marking the start of a long-awaited compensation process.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, the Panel confirmed that 348 verified victims across six categories of harm are being compensated in this first phase, with a total payout of Ksh 448.7 million.

The Panel clarified that only victims who have given their consent are being compensated, describing consent as the final step a beneficiary must take before receiving payment, and urged eligible victims to do so without delay.

Of those being compensated, 115 victims of fatalities will each receive Ksh3 million, totalling Ksh345 million, the largest share of the payout.

Twenty-four victims of severe injury will receive Ksh 1 million each, amounting to Ksh 24 million, while 137 victims of moderate injuries will each get Ksh 500,000, totalling Ksh 68.5 million.

Sixty victims of minor injuries will receive Ksh 50,000 each, amounting to Ksh 3 million, and eight victims of aggravated sexual offences will each be paid Ksh 1 million, totalling Ksh 8 million.

Four victims of economic loss will receive Ksh 50,000 each, amounting to Ksh 200,000.

“To the victims, the long wait is over. Today, we begin to make right what was wrong. Your courage in coming forward has made this day possible. We honour your resilience and your dignity,” the Panel said in its statement.

The Panel noted that this marks only the first phase of the compensation programme, which will continue on a rolling basis until every eligible victim has been compensated.

“We are committed to ensuring every verified victim is compensated, promptly, fairly, and with the dignity they deserve,” the statement noted, adding that regular updates would be provided to the public in line with the Panel’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

Every approved claim has gone through the full administrative process set out in the Reparations Guidelines developed by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, comprising registration, verification, authentication, categorisation of harm, approval, and disbursement.

The Panel also confirmed that the names of all compensated victims will be published periodically in the Kenya Gazette, in line with the Data Protection Act, 2019.

Victims who have yet to file a claim or share their bank and payment details have been urged to do so as soon as possible.