More than Ksh.674 million has so far been paid to victims of human rights violations linked to demonstrations and public protests, as the government-backed compensation programme continues to process claims from affected individuals and families.
In an update released on Friday, the Chairperson of the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations, Prof. Makau Mutua, said Ksh.674.1 million has been disbursed to 505 verified beneficiaries.
According to the panel, Ksh.448.7 million was paid during the first phase of the programme, with additional payments made under the second phase.
The panel revealed that 157 claims were fully processed in the second phase, resulting in compensation amounting to Ksh.225.4 million.
The approved claims included 57 fatalities, 19 severe injuries, 57 moderate injuries, 18 minor injuries and six cases involving aggravated sexual offences.
Families of the 57 people who lost their lives each received Ksh.3 million. Beneficiaries who suffered severe injuries, as well as those whose claims involved aggravated sexual offences, were awarded Ksh.1 million each.
Those classified as having sustained moderate injuries received Ksh.500,000, while claimants with minor injuries were compensated Ksh.50,000.
The panel noted that the 505 beneficiaries paid so far account for 56 per cent of all claims received and processed. It added that many of the beneficiaries have already confirmed receiving their compensation.
The panel reported a significant increase in the number of applications after issuing a fresh call for victims to submit claims two weeks ago. More than 400 new claims have since been received through its offices at the Kenya International Conference Centre (KICC).
Additional names have also been submitted by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
According to the panel, all approved claims undergo a thorough verification and authentication process before payments are authorised. This, it said, is intended to ensure that compensation reaches eligible victims and their families.The panel also committed to publishing the full list of beneficiaries once the exercise is completed, saying the move will promote accountability and transparency as required by law.
Victims who have not yet submitted claims or provided consent, bank details and other payment information have been urged to do so promptly.
The panel said compensation will continue on a rolling basis until all eligible victims are reached.In addition to financial support, the panel announced that psychological support services remain available at its KICC offices.
To address these concerns, it said supplementary frequently asked questions have been released to provide additional guidance and information to affected individuals.
Victims affected by traumatic experiences can access counselling and psychosocial care as part of the programme.
The panel further noted that it has received public inquiries regarding compensation for issues such as torture and enforced disappearances.
