President William Ruto has announced that the government has set aside Sh2 billion to compensate people affected by past protests and human rights violations, as part of commitments under the 10-Point Agenda agreed between the ruling United Democratic Alliance and the Orange Democratic Movement.
Speaking during a joint parliamentary meeting bringing together lawmakers from the two parties at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi on Tuesday, the President said the compensation exercise will be coordinated through the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights to make sure all victims are properly identified and supported.
“Although we are being told, and it is correct, that you can never compensate life, we can do something about it,” Ruto said. “We have already identified all the victims, profiled their names, and established a comprehensive list. Private resources will be used alongside the Sh2 billion to ensure proper compensation.”
He explained that the plan is part of the wider commitments in the 10-Point Agenda that was agreed on last year to ease political tensions and address long-standing social, economic, and governance issues in the country.
Ruto reflected on the anniversary of the agreement, saying the understanding between the two political sides was meant to move the country away from divisive politics that had for years been shaped by tribal competition and regional rivalry.
“Together, we resolved to change our politics, which for too long had been consumed by division, tribal competition, and regional rivalry,” he said. “Today, our country enjoys greater stability, and opportunities for young people are expanding through programs in housing, health, agriculture, education, the digital and creative economy, and labor mobility.”
The President also outlined progress made in other areas covered in the agenda, including electoral reforms, governance, and economic management.
He said the government has strengthened the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and taken steps aimed at lowering the cost of living through measures in agriculture, fuel, education, and health.
Ruto further noted that employment opportunities have been created for about 1.8 million Kenyans through different government programs targeting sectors such as housing, agriculture, and the digital economy.
On devolution, he said the government has increased funding to counties, confirming that shareable revenue has risen from Sh415 billion to Sh450 billion.
The President also pledged that county assemblies will receive resources that will allow them to carry out their oversight role independently.
The Sh2 billion compensation fund will be managed under a clear legal framework, with oversight from the courts and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
Ruto expressed confidence that the process will be completed before June, adding that the government wants to ensure victims of past injustices are recognized and supported.
“We are looking at the future, and we want to ensure that the victims of past injustices are acknowledged and supported.”