This Act establishes the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights as a legal person with corporate existence. The Commission has the mandate to act in accordance with the principles set out in the Constitution and the laws of Kenya, and to specifically observe and respect; (a) the diversity of the people of Kenya; (b) impartiality and gender equity; (c) all treaties and conventions which have been ratified in Kenya and in particular the fact that human rights are indivisible, interdependent, interrelated and of equal importance for the dignity of all human beings; and (d) the rules of natural justice. The functions of the Commission include to; (a) promote respect for human rights and develop a culture of human rights in the Republic; (b) promote the protection and observance of human rights in public and private institutions; (c) monitor, investigate and report on the observance of human rights in all spheres of life in the Republic; (d) receive and investigate complaints about alleged abuses of human rights, except those relating to the violation of the principle of equality and freedom from discriminations under the gender and equality commission, and take steps to secure appropriate redress where human rights have been violated; (e) on its own initiative or on the basis of complaints investigate or research matter in respect of human rights, and make recommendations to improve the functioning of State organs; (f) act as the principal organ of the State in ensuring compliance with obligations under international and regional treaties and conventions relating to human rights except those that relate to the rights of special interest groups protected under the law relating to equality and non-discrimination; (g) formulate, implement and oversee programmes intended to raise public awareness of the rights and obligations of a citizen under the Constitution; (h) work with the National Gender and Equality Commission and the Commission on Administrative Justice to ensure efficiency, effectiveness and complementarity in their activities and to establish mechanisms for referrals and collaboration; (i) perform such other functions as the Commission may consider necessary for the promotion and protection of human rights; among others. The Act further provides for the membership and administration of the Commission. Tenure of office of members, terms and conditions of service are also extensively provided for. The Commission has powers to conduct investigations, and this shall extend to summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person for examination; requiring the discovery and production of documents; and requisitioning public records or copies from a public officer.
Кения · 2011-08-30