On September 13, 2024, KELIN hosted a crucial workshop in Nairobi, bringing together diverse 23 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the health sector to validate a comprehensive report1 on the status of the Right to Health in Kenya. This report is set to be presented during the Fourth Cycle, 57th session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) by the United Nations Human Rights Council in May 2025.
The UPR process is a pivotal UN mechanism that reviews the human rights records of member states, offering CSOs a unique opportunity to hold governments accountable. Kenya’s review is scheduled for February 2025, with the deadline for CSO submissions in September 2024. The meeting provided an essential platform for stakeholders—including those from Digital Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Mental Health, HIV/TB, Key Populations, and Sexual Violence sectors—to validate the joint report2 developed on August 22-23, 2024. The report assesses Kenya’s progress and gaps since the last UPR cycle (2015-2020).Key challenges highlighted in the report include the cross-cutting issue of inadequate health financing and exclusion or discrimination suffered by marginalized and vulnerable groups in accessing essential health services and information. The report includes strong recommendations to the government of Kenya on resource allocation, legal reforms, and policy implementation to fully realize the Right to Health.
Before submitting the report before the Human Rights Council, KELIN, along with the other CSOs present will engage with relevant government ministries to review Kenya’s progress on past recommendations and gather credible information. Additionally, KELIN plans to hold pre-session meetings in Kenya and Geneva ahead of the UPR to amplify the voice and role of civil society in holding the government accountable on their human rights obligations.
In her remarks, KELIN’s Deputy Executive Director, Ms. Hortense Minishi said, “KELIN remains dedicated to advancing the right to health for all, and this UPR process is a crucial step in holding our government accountable and pushing for meaningful change. We intend to collaboratively use this report to map out an advocacy plan and collectively implement alongside the government towards realization of the recommendations herein.”
To stay involved and contribute to this important discussion, follow KELIN on our social media platforms:
Twitter: @KELINKenya
Facebook: KELIN Kenya
Website: www.kelinkenya.org
For more information, contact:
Elsie Milimu
Program Officer – Sexual Reproductive and Health Rights
KELIN
Email: elsiemilimu@kelinkenya.org
