Domestic violence, employment discrimination, and harmful cultural practices are but a few of the many challenges that Kenyans go through on a day-to-day basis. Many suffer in silence because they’re either too afraid to speak out or they don’t know where to seek help. However, human rights organizations are trying to change this.
As we all know, justice in Kenya can be difficult to access without the right knowledge and support. This makes it difficult for many people. Especially those in underprivileged communities, to share their grievances and receive fair treatment. Hence, community-based organizations (CBOs) have been established to represent those who have been aggrieved but cannot afford legal representation.
Here are some community-based human rights organizations where you can seek help in Kenya.
Usikimye
Usikimye was established following the brutal murder of Ivy Wangechi, a medical student who was hacked to death by a man she rejected. It offers support and advocacy to victims of gender-based violence. Since its establishment, it has rescued over 9,000 women from abusive situations. The organization provides a safe house where victims can stay for up to 3 months. It also runs counselling and skills training programs which equip survivors with skill to reintegrate into society and become productive.
Main Contact Number: 0718‑158‑400
Toll-Free GBV Hotline: 0800‑000‑999
Email address: [email protected]
FIDA Kenya
Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) is a nonprofit organization that offers free legal counsel to women and their children. The organization has served over 3 million women over the course of 35 years. Their aim is to create a specialty that upholds and respects the rights of women. They handle all gender-related cases including domestic violence, divorce, land disputes and custody issues. They also offer self-representation training which teaches women how to represent themselves in court with minimal guidance from an advocate.
P.O. Box 46324 ‑ 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
Landline: +254 20 387 3511 or +254 20 387 0444
Mobile: +254 722 509 760
Email address: [email protected]
Mathare Social Justice Center
People who live in slums and informal settlements are most prone to social injustices. From extra judicial killings to forceful evictions, people who live in these areas are likely to face harassment and violence without getting help from the government. Mathare Social Justice Center was established by a group of young community activists to address and mitigate such injustices. They advocate for social justice and document human rights violations in the area. One of their projects is Mothers of Victims and Survivors Network which brings together family members of victims of extrajudicial killings and police brutality.
Administrator (Stephen Kinuthi): +254 714 738 701
Email address: [email protected]
United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK)
UDPK leads in championing the rights of disabled people in Kenya. It advocates for inclusive laws that ensure disabled people are represented and protected in governance, employment, and society. It works with regional and local disability groups in over 30 counties with an aim to extend its presence to all 47 counties.
Landline: 020‑4443830
Mobile: +254 722 126 197
Email address: [email protected]
Girls Not Brides
According to UNICEF, child marriage is the union between an adult and a child under the age of 18. Though illegal, child marriage is till being practiced in certain communities in Kenya. This practice threatens the future of its victims and robs them of their childhood. CBOs like Girls Not Brides aim to stop all child marriages in the country by facilitating dialogue in affected counties, empowering girls to advocate for themselves and other girls, and engaging lawmakers to strengthen child laws.
Email address: [email protected]
Shining Hope for Communities
In informal settlements, access to clean water and healthcare services can be a luxury. This makes life more difficult than it already is for residents. Shining Hope for Communities has stepped in to ensure that people living in informal settlements have access to essentials such as clean water and healthcare. They also run empowerment programs in these communities by equipping them with essential skills such as financial literacy, family planning and sexual health education. They currently serve over 2 million people in over 30 counties.
P.O. Box: 8303–00200, Nairobi
Phone number: 0117 309 658
Email address: [email protected]
PEMA Kenya
In 2008, a gay man was killed in Mombasa because of his sexuality. This death led to the establishment of PEMA Kenya which is one of the CBOs that fights for LGBT rights in the country. They work closely with police, healthcare facilities, religious leaders and government to ensure the safety of Gender and Sexual-Minority individuals. They also offer training to victims of abuse and those discriminated against due to their sexuality.
P.O. Box: 41562 – 80100, GPO Mombasa, Kenya
Main Office Line: +254 (0)114 288 657
Email address: [email protected]
Basic Needs Basic Rights Kenya
The Constitution of Kenya guarantees the right to health including mental health. It also recognizes that people with mental disabilities have a right to dignity and access to healthcare. However, mental health is still stigmatized and misunderstood. BNBR Kenya works to ensure that people with mental disabilities engage in education, employment, decision-making and civic life.
P.O. Box: 14590 – 00100, GPO Nairobi, Kenya
Cellphone: +254 725 814 928
Landline: +254 20 2426606
Email address: [email protected]
Bethsaida Community Foundation
Established in 2011, Bethsaida Community Foundation runs a rescue center in Kayole for street children, orphans, teen mothers, disabled children and children affected by HIV. They offer shelter, food, psychological support, and formal and informal education. They have classes up to Class 8 for both day scholars and boarders. Students can also get involved in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, art and acting.
Phone numbers: +254 725 729 835
+254 713 181 535
Email address: [email protected]
Awareness Against Human Trafficking (HAART)
Human traffickers usually prey on the naivety of their victims to lure them. In an effort to counter this tactic, HAART conducts workshops across the country to educate communities about human trafficking. They also operate a shelter where human trafficking survivors can seek refuge. The organization has assisted over 1,000 survivors and enabled over 700 start businesses.
P.O. Box 26893‑00504, Nairobi, Kenya
Main Office Line: +254 738 506 264
Toll-Free Helpline: +254 780 211 113 (available for assistance and reporting cases)