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Defenders Coalition is pleased to share with you the premier report on the Status of Veteran Human rights Defenders in Kenya.

This baseline survey sought to establish the situation of veteran HRDs in Kenya by conducting a nationwide mapping exercise. The study was guided by three core objectives Map out veteran HRDs by identifying where they are and the work they are currently involved in Identify available opportunities that veteran HRDs can leverage on Identify and recommend organizations that the Defenders Coalition could partner with for the wellbeing of veteran HRDs.

The study makes three important contributions;

First it makes a contribution to the body of knowledge by introducing and focusing attention on veteran HRDs as a theoretical concept, social phenomenon and distinct population sub-set with unique challenge, needs and views.

Secondly, it provides insights into these unique challenges, needs and views of this sub-set based scientific research.

Finally, it provides information and specific recommendations that could help key actors achieve more relevant and effective engagement with, and interventions in advancing the protection and wellbeing of, veteran HRDs. This research has also generated a database of veteran HRDs that can be a useful foundation to build on in better documenting and managing information on veteran HRDs in Kenya.

Summary of the findings Gender distribution: Majority of the respondents were men constituting just under 2/3 of the respondents. Age distribution: Majority of the respondents were 41 years or more with most being within the age bracket of 41-50 years. Geographic distribution: Most of the veteran HRDs reached out to are found in 11 out of the 47 counties of Kenya with the majority being in Nairobi and Kiambu. Length of service: At least half of the veteran HRDs had served for 20 or more years. Current status in human rights engagement: The overwhelming majority of veteran HRDs are still action and committed to continuing engagement as HRDs. Nature of engagement: Nearly half of all veteran HRDs serve on a voluntary basis.

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