Founded in 1959, ICJ Kenya is the oldest human rights organization in Kenya with a membership drawn from the Bar as well as the Bench. Its now 60 years of our continued work in promoting progressive democratic and open societies, acting as a watchdog in promoting good governance, social cohesion, respect for the rule of law, promotion of human rights and accountability in Kenya and the region.
ICJ Kenya has observer status with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ rights and is governed under a constitution through an elected Council of seven members that serves for two-year fixed terms.
The organization has continued to play a critical role in complementing the government’s development efforts as well as being a critical counterbalance to government excesses during various phases of the country’s half century of independence.
In its 60 years of existence, ICJ Kenya has been instrumental in helping set up various other Non- Governmental Organizations in an era of extreme intolerance to the ideals of human rights, access to justice and good governance.
Community human rights education and awareness initiatives have become part of our contribution to promote a just, free and fair society. Within this time, we have increased the scope of our strategy to include utilization of the mass media and information technology-oriented approaches.
In line with our core business of protection of the rule of law, human rights and democracy, we at ICJ Kenya have continued to advocate for various strategic policy interventions. ICJ Kenya in its international cooperation programme continues to support litigation of cases that domesticate international standards. We have widened our target beyond local jurisdictions and national courts to the African regional mechanisms.
ICJ Kenya has remained alive to the challenging operating environment not only in Kenya but also around the continent which has witnessed the socio-political and economic marginalization of the poor and most vulnerable in society.
From corruption, extra judicial executions, manifestation of impunity, gross human rights violations, undermining of institutions of democracy, the weakening of judicial independence and rule of law across the continent, we are determined to deepen our interventions.
Through all its work ICJ Kenya has continued to draw inspiration from our membership who constitute the body of jurists.
ICJ Kenya has been at the forefront of the constitutional reforms, human rights advocacy and has remained a major player in the reform agenda. ICJ Kenya’s 60 years is a story of an organization that has stood the test of time and has remained relevant to changing times in pursuit of our core efforts to ensure that a just, free and equitable society is realized through out Kenya and the Region.
To celebrate its 60th Anniversary, ICJ Kenya as planned a number of activities. The first series of activities include:
- A series of community forums to sensitize the public on opportunities for human rights protection in new legislation across the country:
- A series paralegal trainings on monitoring, documentation, reporting and redress for human rights violations at the grassroots level as well as trainings on law and society, access to justice and court procedures;
- ICJ Kenya 60th Anniversary Commemoration Dinner amongst other activities that will be shared in due course.
