Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Details

Here are some details of my place of work. I am housed in the reforms and accountability department and will start my work under a man named Samson who is said to be funny, enjoyable and really drowning in all of his projects. He returns on Monday and I look forward to relieving him of some duties. I have also learned that my department travels often. It sounds like I will be getting a tour of Kenya by means of the National Commission (and hopefully their budget!!!).

Kenya National Commission on Human Rights

• Independent National Human Rights Institution established by the Government
• Mandated to act as a watchdog over the Government in the area of human rights
• Plays a key role in building a human rights culture in Kenya

Vision: “A nationally and globally respected Public Institution providing leadership

in Human Rights.”

Mission: To enhance the protection and promotion of human rights in Kenya through

strategic programming and partnerships.

Goal: To increase respect for and greater enjoyment of fundamental human rights in

Kenya.

Key Result Areas of the National Commission:

·        Reduced systemic human rights violations

·        Increased application of human rights principles and standards in implementation of Agenda 4 of the National Accord

·        Increased knowledge and practice of human rights principles and standards in public and private spheres

·        Organizational growth and development

Departments of the National Commission:

·        Complaints and Investigations

·        Redress

·        Research and Compliance

·        Reforms and Accountability

·        Public Education and Training

·        Regional Outreach and Partnership Building

·        Economic and Social Cultural Rights

·        Public Affairs and Communication

·        Human Resource and Administration

·        Procurement

·        Finance

·        Efficiency Monitoring

Functions of the National Commission:

·        To investigate the violation of any human rights

·        To visit prisons/places of detention/related facilities to asses and inspect conditions

·        To inform and educate the public on human rights in order to enhance their respect

·        To recommend to Parliament effective measures that promote human rights

·        To formulate, implement and oversee civic responsibility and citizen’s rights and obligations awareness programs

·        To act as the Chief Government agent in ensuring the Government’s compliance with its obligations under international treaties and conventions of human rights

·        To encourage the efforts of and cooperate with other institutions working in the field of human rights for the purposes of promoting and protecting human rights