The United Nations has put President William Ruto’s administration on the spot over its handling of the 2024 anti-government protests, warning that Kenya must address serious human rights concerns linked to the demonstrations.
According to a report published by the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights on February 10, police used too much force during Kenya’s 2024 anti-government protests, leading to deaths, injuries, disappearances, kidnappings, torture, and arrests of journalists and human rights activists.
The Committee said the information it received was “extremely worrying,” prompting tough questions for the Kenyan government. Committee Expert Julieta Rossi, who leads the Task Force on Kenya, questioned the government on what actions it had taken to stop police brutality, protect journalists and human rights defenders, and hold those responsible to account
Kenya Defends Its Conduct
Kenya’s delegation acknowledged the protests but insisted that while citizens have a right to demonstrate, some had “crossed boundaries,” creating situations that led to fatalities. Officials told the Committee that both police officers and civilians had been prosecuted for rights violations.
They added that the government is rolling out training programs for youth and police to ensure protests are handled more responsibly.
“Young people had a right to protest, but it needed to be peaceful. Some had crossed boundaries that were not permitted, including those that resulted in deaths. There had to be a balance between the protection of property and life, and the right to peaceful protest,” the delegation said.
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UN Questions Kenya’s Rising Debt Burden
The UN also pressed Kenya on its mounting debt, with Committee Expert Michael Windfuhr warning that the country is now among the most heavily indebted reviewed by the Committee.
Windfuhr questioned how the government plans to manage its debt while attempting to increase revenue and lower certain taxes. He also asked whether Kenya has assessed how tax measures affect low-income families and whether any regressive taxes would be reviewed.
Responding to the concerns, Kenya’s delegation said the country had expanded the tax base and introduced tax relief targeting poorer households. They maintained that Kenya has not defaulted on any loan repayments and described its debt management strategy as “a work in progress.”
UN Notes Social Protection Progress and New Reforms
Despite the tough questions, the Committee recognized Kenya’s progress in building a stronger social protection system over the past decade.
Windfuhr noted that reforms such as the Social Protection Bill 2025 have helped reduce poverty and expand safety‑net programs.
Presenting Kenya’s report, delegation head Judith Nayiai Ramaita Pareno, the Principal Secretary for Justice, Human Rights and Constitutional Affairs, pointed out new laws enacted during the reporting period.
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These include legislation on community land, water, health, amendments to the National Health Insurance Fund Act, the Persons with Disabilities Act 2025, and the 2025 National Policy on Ethnic Minorities and Marginalized Communities.
Judith said the laws were designed to strengthen accountability and improve access to services for marginalized groups.
“The government had implemented a national sexual reproductive health policy, grounded in human rights principles and gender equality. It improved access to family services, maternal health care, and post abortion care,” the delegation noted.
At the close of the session, Rossi thanked Kenya for its engagement and said the Committee will issue recommendations in due course. Pareno said Kenya is committed to improving its human rights record.
The Kenyan delegation included officials from several ministries, including Justice, Labour, Education, Health, Gender, Environment, and the National Bureau of Statistics, as well as the Permanent Mission of Kenya to the UN in Geneva.
The review took place during the Committee’s 79th session, which runs until February 25, 2026.
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