Kenya's history as an independent nation is mired in major human rights abuses, severe corruption, and widespread illegal expropriation of public lands. The election of Mwai Kibaki in 2002 signaled an end to the oppressive rule of Moi and a positive step in fighting these issues. However, the corrupt governmental infrastructure created by Moi is still in place, leaving the country vulnerable to the same criminal patterns by its leaders. High-ranking officials under Kibaki have not been held accountable for abuses, showing a clear lack of commitment to the changes promised upon the 2002 election.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has publicly criticized the government for not addressing numerous extrajudicial killings, along with frequent reports of the police torturing and gunning down suspects with little respect for the law or human life. The Kenyan government is being pressed to address these basic human rights issues. Yet members of parliament enjoy some of the highest paid salaries and are the product of a system that cultivated the corruption in the first place. Although corruption battles continue within Kibaki's presidency, the people of Kenya are now being introduced to the importance of political debate, popular participation in government affairs, and increasingly equal representation of women in the workforce.

In Kenya's struggle with the AIDS epidemic, children orphaned by AIDS as well as those living with or affected by the disease must deal with increased human rights abuses. The stigma associated with the virus often prevents people from seeking proper testing and care, and those who have contracted the virus are often treated harshly. Poor education about the disease frequently leads to the rape of young children in hopes of curing the virus. One of the many adverse effects of the epidemic is the difficulty children have in obtaining an education when all the pressures of running a household, making a living, and, sometimes, raising young brothers and sisters are put upon them. In addition, AIDS orphans are more vulnerable to abuses and rights violations that "abandonment, hazardous child labor, trafficking, sexual abuse, disinheritance and other violations of legal rights, and discrimination in access to public benefits" (Human Rights Watch, 2005).

Human rights work, such as educational and empowerment trainings, counseling, provision of legal assistance (particularly to women), and awareness campaigns are some of the methods used by FSD to support its partner organizations. In both Mombasa and Kakamega, communities need to be aware of their basic human rights, legal resources, and the value of education necessary to improve their livelihoods. Interns and volunteers can provide assistance by researching various programs and solutions, offering professional expertise, conducting outreach initiatives, and/or counseling those in need. These efforts serve to shift oppressive cultural and governmental forces that limit development and community well-being.

Read more about Human Rights programs and opportunities initiated by our Community Partners in Kenya.

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