On 30 September and 1 October 2026, Amnesty International Kenya convened its 5th Annual Delegates Conference (ADC), bringing together delegates representing members from its 98 Circles of Conscience (COCs) to discuss governance and key decisions shaping the organisation’s work. As a section, the ADC provides a space for members to participate in decision-making and hold the secretariate accountable.
Five years ago, Amnesty Kenya was formally recognised as a section within the wider Amnesty International movement, gaining voting rights at Amnesty International’s Global Assembly (GA). At the national level, the ADC provides a forum for delegates to participate in decisions affecting the Kenyan section. Both forums reflect the importance of member participation and accountability in shaping the movement’s direction.
Recognizing the power of volunteer leadership
Members and supporters contribute to Amnesty International’s human rights work in many ways, including through volunteering, campaigning and community organising. Member participation in governance is also central to the movement. At this year’s ADC, Amnesty Kenya recognized the service of two outgoing Board Members, Dr. Awuor Ayiecho and Dr. Simon Kigondu, following their completion of two terms each, and Ebby Wanjala, who stepped down from the Board, acknowledging their service and contribution to the movement. This service is a reminder of the important role volunteer members play in providing leadership and offering collective efforts to advance human rights.
“Listen to us”
With Amnesty Kenya’s membership open to children from age 12, the Kenyan Section held the inaugural Children’s ADC in July 2026, bringing together 46 child delegates from 23 school clubs across seven counties, namely Kericho, Kisumu, Nyamira, Kisii, Kajiado, Homa Bay, and Nairobi. Ten child delegates subsequently participated in the main ADC, bringing their priorities and perspectives into the section’s governance discussions under the theme “Listen to Us” .
Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child recognises every child’s right to express their views freely in all matters affecting them, with those views given due weight according to their age and maturity. However, with this progression, children’s voices are still forgotten in some spaces of decision making or assumptions made about issues affecting them without listening to their experiences and priorities. To achieve meaningful participation, children ought to be given an opportunity to speak and adults in decision making spaces being intentional about listening and incorporating their views in decisions that affect them. Thus, children should be able to speak openly and freely without fear of discrimination. Such spaces go a long way in helping children to understand their rights, build their confidence, create a society where every child’s voice matter and most importantly empowers their participation in society.
Building solidarity beyond borders
The conference also carried messages of solidarity and encouragement from Amnesty International’s leadership in the Africa Region. These messages highlighted the importance of collective action and cross-border solidarity in advancing human rights. They also underscored the role of members in sustaining the movement, supporting people facing human rights violations and holding those responsible to account.
The ADC reaffirmed the importance of member participation in shaping Amnesty Kenya’s priorities and direction. Through local organizing, collective action and solidarity across borders, members contribute to efforts to defend human rights and hold decision-makers accountable.
You can be part of this movement. If you believe every small action matters, there’s a place for you in this Movement, because when rights are protected, societies thrive. Welcome to the Amnesty Kenya Movement! Become an Amnesty Kenya member today and help shape the collective action needed to advance human rights.