This comparison with Haiti is not a prediction that Kenya will follow the same path. Kenya has its own history, institutions and political realities. But Haiti offers a sobering lesson about the consequences of institutionalising political violence.
We invite feminist leaders and civic participants to join a series of closed-door, guided dialogues exploring the complexities of power, governance, and historical impact. Over the course of seven sessions, we will critically analyze the strategies of iconic leadership figures and discuss their implications for Kenya’s political future.
There has been simmering tension among foreign nationals living and operating small businesses in Kenya following a Presidential directive on 2 September 2026, ordering foreign nationals operating small businesses, particularly hawking and small retail shops, to close their operations from 7 September 2026. The announcement has raised serious questions about the rights of thousands of foreigners who are legitimately in the country and have lived here for years.
Nairobi, 10th September 2026: The Police Reforms Working Group Kenya (PRWG-K) expresses grave concern following the onset of enforcement actions and reported harassment of non-nationals linked to the executive directive issued by His Excellency President William Ruto on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. The order, which directed law enforcement and local authorities to shut down small-scale retail and hawking operations run by foreign nationals effective Monday, September 7, 2026, has already triggered confusion, arbitrary targeted operations, and xenophobic friction on the ground.
It is a movement publication that amplifies stories of civic action, community leadership, youth activism, and human rights advocacy from across Kenya. It celebrates the power of ordinary people creating extraordinary change, highlighting how individuals and communities are driving progress in their schools, campuses, neighborhoods, and counties. Through inspiring stories, lived experiences, and grassroots initiatives, the magazine showcases the collective impact of people working together to advance dignity, equality, justice, and human rights for all.
Kenya’s Sexual Offences Act was passed in 2006, when smartphones were not yet in most Kenyan pockets, and generative AI did not exist. Twenty years on, the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2026 proposes to bring the Act up to date with how technology is increasingly used to facilitate sexual and gender-based violence: through a phone, an account, a group chat, or even an image that was never real.
On 26 June 2024, Joshua Okayo was taken from outside his home.
Kenyans often encounter political promises centered on roads, water, health facilities, and other essential public services. However, whether these promises are delivered is ultimately determined through budgeting and equitable resource allocation. Early this year, residents of Marsabit demanded clean water, passable roads, and a well-equipped and functional health facility. Last year, residents of Kilifi staged a protest demanding the completion of the 56 km Ganze – Kilifi Road, as poor road conditions were affecting their movements and posing harm to children and pregnant women. Behind each of these demands lies a budget decision. Whether communities gain access to clean water, quality healthcare, and safe roads ultimately depends on how public resources are allocated and managed. Without budgetary allocation, Kenyans are likely to continue experiencing this lack of services or poorly maintained services. These development issues reflect the pressing needs of the community.
Nairobi, 2 September 2026: The abduction of Alex Kiprotich, Associate Editor at the Standard Media Group, comes just days after President William Ruto declared that no Kenyan should lose their liberty or dignity for expressing an opinion. Kenyans are shocked by chilling video footage showing armed individuals brazenly abducting Mr Kiprotich. He was later found abandoned in Masinga, Machakos County, having been transported more than 200 kilometres from the Gilgil–Nakuru road.
Law enforcement in Kenya has a constitutional and public service mandate to protect people, maintain public order and enforce the law in a manner consistent with human rights. Over the years, law enforcement institutions have come under intense public, judicial, constitutional and human-rights scrutiny.
A voice is a fragile thing in the digital age. It can rise in seconds, clear, bold, and determined, and be drowned out just as quickly by waves of insult, distortion, and threat. For many young Kenyans, this is not a distant reality; it is a daily calculation. Should I post this? Is it worth the backlash? Will I still feel safe tomorrow? These are the silent questions behind many unsent messages.
In a digital environment where online harassment and tech-facilitated violence are used to silence voices, how can Kenya protect itself, support young people in others, and still find the courage to speak out for their rights and the rights of others?