Kenya’s human rights record was reviewed for the fourth time by the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group on May 1, 2025, in Geneva. The review drew on Kenya’s national report, UN expert submissions, and input from civil society and national human rights institutions.
The main issues raised during the review
Concerns kept being raised about extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and torture by security forces. Stakeholders also identified insufficient investigation and prosecution of officers involved in violations, as well as inadequate forensic and investigative capacity. They further advocated the criminalization of enforced disappearance and the operationalization of the National Coroners Service Act (2017).
The report noted a crackdown on peaceful protests by forceful policing, especially during protests in 2024. The report raised serious concerns about the safety of journalists and press freedoms; and the lack of general legal protections for human rights defenders.
Progress was recognized in reducing FGM (female genital mutilation), but recommendations advised further legislation and enforcement against all harmful practices, including child marriage and virginity testing. Stronger protections against both gender-based violence and femicide were also encouraged.
Stakeholders voiced opposition to budget cuts in education, health and human rights sectors that contraction threatens key programs and teacher recruitment.
There has still been an inadequate implementation of court decisions SETTING OUT land and resource rights for Indigenous and marginalized communities. The moratorium on executions de facto in Kenya and death sentences commuted were noted, but they still called for the death penalty to be abolished.
Recommendations and proposals
Make enforced disappearances a crime and modify the Penal Code to include extrajudicial killings. Operationalize to allow the Coroner-General’s Office to do its work and start invoicing the National Coroners Service Act. Strengthen the Prevention of Torture Act by ensuring perpetrators are held accountable.
Legislation should be enacted to protect human rights defenders and the right to freedom of expression and assembly. Provide police and authorities with training on the appropriate and proportional responses to assemblies and protests. Legislate against any harmful practices that affect children, including FGM, child marriage and virginity testing. The principle of two-thirds gender representation must be implemented in all elective and appointed bodies, in particular, in preparation for the 2027 elections.
Expand funding for education, health, and human rights institutions. Implement all court decisions recognizing Indigenous and local communities’ land rights and create safeguards against arbitrary evictions. Enhance anti-corruption and counter-illicit finance laws, enhance whistleblower protections, and pass the Conflict of Interest Bill.
