Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura
The Government of Kenya is deeply committed to guaranteeing its citizens their human rights and fundamental freedoms, Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura stated today. His remarks were made in a statement issued to mark International Human Rights Day.
Mwaura acknowledged the challenges still facing the nation but highlighted the significant progress Kenya has made in the promotion and protection of human rights. He emphasized that by upholding human rights, the country can build trust, strengthen democracy, and ensure that development benefits all Kenyans.
“It is only by upholding human rights and fundamental freedoms that we build trust, strengthen democracy, and ensure that development benefits all Kenyans,” Mwaura said.
The theme for this year’s International Human Rights Day celebrations, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” underscores the urgent need to protect and promote the dignity and freedoms of every individual, in line with the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
Adopted 76 years ago, the UDHR laid the foundation for modern human rights frameworks and guarantees fundamental rights for all, including equality, justice, inclusivity, education, and healthcare.
Mwaura also highlighted Kenya’s commitment to human rights through its ratification of key international conventions, including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). He also noted that the country recently marked 20 years of disability rights inclusion through national legislation.
Chapter Four of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, provides for fundamental rights and freedoms based on a human rights-centered approach, Mwaura explained. This framework plays a central role in the implementation of development strategies like Kenya Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
However, Mwaura expressed concern over the rise in femicide, with 97 women tragically killed in a span of 90 days, and another 150 lives lost in 2023 alone. He condemned these acts in the strongest terms and expressed solidarity with the families of the victims.
“The government condemns these acts in the strongest of terms and stands in solidarity with the families and friends of the departed,” Mwaura said. “In collaboration with both state and non-state actors, the government is actively working towards addressing these challenges to ensure that all Kenyans can enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
Mwaura called on all Kenyans to continue to work towards upholding the rights of the most vulnerable, including women, children, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and marginalized communities.
byronian4@gmail.com
About the Author
