CALL FOR APPLICATION TRAINERS OF TRAINERS (TOT) WORKSHOP TRAINING IN ADVOCACYDEADLINE 16TH APRIL 2023

Fill the Application Form Here.

A. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The history of human rights in Kenya has remained a huge concern with authorities failing to ensure accountability for serious human rights abuses. Kenya has a long history of violent elections and mass human rights violations. The just-concluded 2022 general elections saw the former deputy president, Dr. William Samoei Ruto, elected as president with 50.5% of the vote. With a new government in place, the situation of human rights changes too because each government comes with a different agenda and different ways of engaging with stakeholders which in turn gives the need for strengthened advocacy to ensure that there is rule of law and good governance.

Kenya through its 2010 Constitution now has 47 county governments in place, meaning each county is governed by a governor who is in charge of the county. Through this system, there have been a lot of human rights issues have played out that include corruption, bad governance, and extrajudicial executions both at the county level and National level which then calls for increased advocacy on issues of Human Rights. Advocacy enables Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) to champion accountability when human rights violations occur.

Through advocacy, HRDs are able to foster a sense of community solidarity in order to promote their cause to the wider public as well as are able to identify and target key stakeholders with the aim to achieve concrete and long-term change. HRDs advocate for a human rights-based approach when dealing with all forms of discrimination so that they can be prevented or eliminated and ultimately achieve justice and accountability.

It is against this backdrop that the Defenders Coalition in partnership with DefendDefenders and Amnesty International (HURICAP), under the Power of Voices: Strengthening Civil Courage Alliance will conduct a five day, trainers of trainers (TOT) in advocacy to enhance the capacities of human rights defenders on how to engage with mechanisms as well as improve their drafting and writing skills.

B. DATES

The training for the trainers of trainers training will be conducted from 8th May 2023 to 12th May 2023 at a venue to be communicated at a later date. The Call for application is open to HRDs from all 47 counties of Kenya working on all thematic human rights themes with a key focus on Advocacy.

C. SELECTION CRITERIA

For one to participate in this training one has to meet the following requirements;

• One has to be affiliated with a human rights organization.
• On has to be involved in advocacy work that includes interacting with national, regional, and international human rights mechanisms.
• Defenders Coalition will prioritize applicants who have not undergone similar extensive training before
• Geographical location: Our aim is to select a diverse group who can provide an array of perspectives and share experiences. Applying individuals must be based in Kenya from the 47 counties and should mainly be carrying out human rights work.
• The participant should be able to express themselves freely in English or KiswahiLI.

D. BENEFITS

• The participants will be able to acquire and enhance their knowledge and skills on national, regional and international human rights mechanisms.
• The participants will be able to network with their peers working on advocacY.

E. APPLICATION

Selection for the training workshop is highly competitive. We encourage you to apply early and put your best foot forward.

Phase 1: Fill out this application form by 16th April 2023

Phase 2: Selection

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Phase 3: Preparation for the training

If you are selected to attend the training workshop you must demonstrate availability for the period as well as your ability to learn.

Fill the Application Form Here.

STATEMENT TO CALL FOR THOROUGH INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE DEATH OF HUMA

RIGHTS DEFENDER DR. GODFREY ONYANGO

Defenders Coalition which is the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders in Kenya is shocked with the recent death of human rights defender Dr. Godfrey Onyango on Friday 24 March 2023 at his home in Nakuru. As we condole with the family, we call for immediate thorough and credible investigation  by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) with timely publication of the findings.

Dr. Onyango was the chairman of the Justice and Environment Foundation based in Nakuru and was actively involved in seeking justice for sexual abuse victims who are current and previous employees of two leading multinational companies in Kericho and Bomet Counties.

Happening at a time when there has been active efforts to scuttle efforts to seek justice for victims of sexual abuse and Dr. Onyango having expressed reluctance to be quoted in one of the investigative stories by a  local daily in Kenya point to the threats he likely received that require consideration during the investigations.

Defenders Coalition is concerned that the safety of human rights defenders has deteriorated over the last five years including through killing where  investigations on the murders of human rights defenders rarely resulted in arrests or conviction. For instance, In July 2021, Joannah Stutchbury a 67-year-old environmentalist who was defending Kiambu Forest from encroachment by private developers was shot dead outside her home in Kiambu but no one has ever been arrested. In January 2022, environmentalist Elizabeth Ekaru was stabbed to death in Isiolo. In this matter, the case is ongoing in Meru Law Courts.

Dear Friends, Supporters, Comrades, Colleagues and Partners,

Download and fill the supplier form here

PRE-QUALIFICATION OF SUPPLIERS

Applications are invited from eligible bidders for the supply and delivery of the following items for the financial years 2023- 2025

All existing suppliers are required to participate alongside prospective suppliers in order to be evaluated and considered.

Applicants should fill the Defenders Coalition supplier Details Form and submit to procurement@defenderscoalition.org with the service description as the subject heading.

Applications should be submitted by 27th  March 2023

Download and fill the supplier form here

Download the Terms of Reference here

Who we are

The National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders–Kenya (Defenders Coalition) is a national organization incorporated in the Republic of Kenya as a Trust. Its mission is to strengthen the capacity of human rights defenders (HRDs) to work effectively in the country and to reduce their vulnerability to the risk of persecution, through protection, capacity building, and advocacy for a favorable legal and policy environment. Established in 2007, Defenders Coalition is the only national organization that works primarily for the protection of HRDs.

Defenders Coalition’s strategic plan 2020 – 2025 outlines the vision, mission, and strategies of realizing the same. Guided by pillar 4 which focuses on institutional excellence, Defenders Coalition seeks to consolidate its position as a dynamic, effective and sustainable organization with focus on further strengthening and diversifying its resource base as well as its internal policies and structures which will manifest in form of changes in diversity and levels of funding with a desired end result of establishing an internal environment that safeguards the integrity of Defenders Coalition resources.

Defenders Coalition believes that the kind of work that we do requires that we are “in it for a long haul” and hence the need to an expanded and stable resource base for the organization, as well as establish and sustain a strong HRD movement by among other things facilitating them access resources for enhanced HRDs agency, amplifying their voice, increased social status and bargaining power.

The consultancy

Defenders Coalition seeks the services of a consultant(s) or consultancy firm to lead in the development of policies and procedures for co-hosting and subgrating partner organizations. The framework shall among other things incorporate the mechanisms for assessing organizational capacities regarding their competence, needs, resources, internal control and work on anti-corruption as well as meaningful, effective and accessible grant development, management, accountability and capacity enhancement framework.

The set frameworks shall include best practices in grant oversight, grant coordination, risk mitigation and limiting exposure to grant-related legal liability, assessing efficiency and impact of HRDs’ work, and ensuring consistency and accountability in securing and managing grant funds.

Specific Objective

Subgranting: The specific objective is to set up the subgranting policy framework with the requisite  governance mechanisms for effective grants management and administration. Such would be expected to  maintain meaningful grant coordination, oversight and impact assessment and documentation. The policy shall specifically oversee all requests, application submissions, acceptances/ approvals and disapprovals, pre award, post award and closeout requirements, including programmatic and financial reporting;  and project monitoring and evaluation where it is neccesary.

Co-hosting: The specific objective is to develop a framework for assessing partners capacity, internal controls, risks, value addition and impact for meaningful partnership and maintaining effective grant management, reporting, recognition and dispute management.

Scope of Work

Specific tasks of the consultancy will include:

1. Develop grant communication guidelines among Defenders Coalition, grant seekers and other   stakeholders.
2. Develop grant-management procedures from application submission, acceptance, pre-award, award, post award to grant close-out including programmatic and financial reporting as well as reimbursement.
3. Develop guidelines on grant oversight and monitoring to meet targets.
4. Develop guidelines for file-management, access and retention procedures.

Profile of the Consultant

Essential

1. Institutional/individual experience of similar assignment for more than 5 years
2. Demonstrable work experience in project management/grant management field within the government/NGO/NPO sector
3. Higher level academic qualification. Master’s degree/PHD in Communication Studies, Law, Public Policy, Human Rights Studies, Development Studies, or any other relevant field preferred
4. Good understanding of human rights law, norms and standards, state obligations and the role of human rights organizations.
5. Excellent written and presentation skills.

Additional

1. Experience and expertise in developing and maintaining good relationships with institutional donors or corporations.
2. Experience of working in multicultural contexts.
3. Strong analytical, strategic thinking and planning skills and ability to work under tight deadlines.
4. Proficiency in English.

Interested applicants shall present to the Defenders Coalition both financial and technical proposals for the project. The technical proposal must cover all-important aspects of the project and the financial proposal should cover professional and support costs.

Application procedure

 Interested applicants who meet the job requirements and qualifications and with the right personal attributes are invited to complete and submit the following:

1. A technical proposal detailing the methodology and work plan.
2. Financial proposal.
3. A brief description of the resource person outlining recent experience in similar assignments.
4. At least three references of similar assignment.
5. Sample work that is similar to this assignment.

All  applications  should  be  sent  to  Defenders  Coalition  Executive  Director via info@defenderscoalition.org copy procurement@defenderscoalition.org by March 27 2023 with the subject line THE DEFENDERS COALITION GRANTS MANAGEMENT POLICY.

Disclaimer Defenders Coalition is an equal opportunity employer, committed to ensuring diversity, inclusivity and gender equality within our organization and work. Defenders Coalition, thus will recruit/award the consultancy to the most qualified person /company irrespective of race, color, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, gender, ethnicity. Only successful candidates will be contacted.

Download the Terms of Reference here

Download the Terms of Reference here

Terms Of Reference for the Development of a Procurement Policy

Introduction:

The Defenders Coalition is the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders in Kenya that works to strengthen the capacity of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) to work effectively and to reduce their vulnerability to the risk of persecution by advocating for a favourable legal and policy environment in Kenya.

Our mission is to Champion the safety, Security and wellbeing of Human Rights Defenders focusing on four main areas as follows:

1. Supportive policy, legal and institutional Framework of HRDs.
2. HRDs protection ( Safety and security)
3. Social Economic Wellbeing of HRDs
4. Institutional Development

 Purpose

Defenders Coalition which has grown in size and operations since its founding in 2007 is in the process of reviewing current policies of the organization to respond to its growth and dynamic operating environment of modern approaches and growing service demands.

Defenders Coalition therefore seeks the services of a consultant (s) or consultancy firm to lead in the develop a Procurement Policy for the organization to enhance operational capacity, efficiency and effectiveness. The successful candidate is expected to support the development of a Standalone procurement policy that incorporate best practices for enhancing internal controls, transparency, integrity, accountability and ensuring best value for money

Terms Of Reference

The overall objective of this consultancy is to develop a procurement policy that can be used to support the procurement function of the Defenders Coalition. The consultant(s) shall

1. Review existing procurement guidelines and practices of Defenders Coalition
2. Benchmarks Defender’s Coalition’s procurement guidelines and practices against comparable industry standards.
3. Draft a procurement policy of Defenders Coalition based the (1) and (2) above
4. Validate the draft procurement with staff and management of Defenders Coalition and its key stakeholders
5. Produce a final procurement policy incorporating feedback from key stakeholders 

Scope of the Consultancy

Working under the guidance of Head of Programmes, the scope of work of the consultancy shall include

1. Develop an implementation plan of the assignment
2. Regular meetings with Defenders Coalition assignment contact
3. Conduct a comprehensive desktop review of existing procurement guidelines and documented practices relating to the procurement function at DC
4. Review best procurement practices from comparable organizations within DC’s working context
5. Produce a draft procurement policy for validation by stakeholders
6. Validate the report and incorporate proposals from staff, management and identified stakeholders
7. produce a final procurement policy incorporating input from stakeholders
8. Undertake this assignment within a duration two (2) months

Deliverables:

1. A Final draft procurement policy for Adoption

Qualification and experience Essential experience

Essential experience

• Institutional/Individual operational experience of consultancy services of at least five (5) years.
• Demonstrable work experience in conducting similar assignment recently within government/NGOs/NPOs sector. Provide references and links
• Higher level academic qualification in related subjects. Masters/PHD qualification preferred
• Practitioner or grasp of procurement rules and internationally accepted best practices and standards.

How to apply;

Interested candidates should send the following documents to Defenders Coalition via info@defenderscoalition.org indicating “Consultancy for Development of Procurement Policy” as the subject latest by 11.59 pm 27^th March 2023.

The following documents are to be submitted:

1. Expression of Interest (EOI) both narrative and financial proposal.
2. CV(s) of staff who will be engaged for this assignment reflecting at least the academic qualification, previous relevant experience, contact number, current location etc.
3. Documented evidence of previous work e.g. copy of manuals previously developed, contract award or reference letter from the clients stating the scope of services and deliverables related to previously completed similar assignments (Maximum two previous related documents/sample);
4. Registration certificate of the Consultancy Firm, mentioning the date of establishment.

Selection process and criteria

Note: It is the applicant’s responsibility to demonstrate previous experience and justification for the proposed consultancy. The panel will review the documents and evaluate capacity based on the information in the above required documents. The panel will only review/evaluate the documents that are stated above.

Download the Terms of Reference here

 January 23, 2023 

Johannesburg | Mbabane 

“They have intended to hurt us, to break our spirit, our moral strength and crush our resilience so that we succumb to their evil desires.” 

Excerpts from an open letter from prison written by Thulani Maseko in 2015. 

As SouthernDefenders, we express our pain and outrage at the brazen assassination of renowned human rights lawyer, Thulani Maseko who was gunned down at point blank range, in front of his wife and children at his home in Luhleko, Mbabane, on the evening of January 21, 2023. This atrocious, cowardly and cold-blooded act came a few hours after King Mswati had issued ‘stern warnings’ to those calling for democratic reforms in the country, and that his hired mercenaries would deal with them. 

At the time of his death, Maseko was a senior member of Lawyers for Human Rights Swaziland, and chairperson of the Multi-Stakeholder Forum, a convergence of various stakeholders calling for constitutional reforms in Eswatini. As one of the founding members of SouthernDefenders, Maseko made an immense contribution to the advancement of justice and human rights not only in Eswatini, but throughout the Southern Africa region. He has carried out several fact-finding missions to countries like Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi where he reported on the deterioration of civic space in the region. 

“A staunch believer in the rule of law and constitutionalism, Maseko used his professional legal skills to advocate for democratic reforms and peaceful transition. It is deeply saddening that his work and selfless dedication has been repaid in such a ruthless and callous act.”, said Professor Adriano Nuvunga, Vice-Chairperson of SouthernDefenders. 

In Eswatini, many will attest that Maseko persistently preached the message of peace and love. In the face of great adversity, Maseko remained steadfast in the fight for freedom and justice, 

courageously raising awareness at the injustices suffered by the people of Eswatini. It is deeply saddening that he has paid the ultimate price with his life in this gruesome and callous manner. 

While the government of Eswatini issued a statement condemning the murder of Maseko and its intention to investigate, Southern Defenders asserts that, given the political environment, only an independent investigation can ensure that those responsible for the assassination of Maseko and many others brutally injured and killed are brought to justice and their families rightfully compensated. We therefore call on SADC, the African Union, and the international community to hold the leadership of King Mswati III accountable for the violence that continues to be meted against the people of Eswatini, merely for advocating for their recognized fundamental human rights, including political participation. 

SouthernDefenders is gravely concerned that the killing of Maseko signifies an increasingly dangerous deterioration of the political crisis in Eswatini. It is terrifying to observe the monarch clamp down on the people it is meant to serve and protect. Eswatini as a member of SADC and signatory to its Treaty is bound to uphold Article 4 of the Treaty which explicitly states that the principles guiding the acts of its members are human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Article 5 of the Treaty further requires all states to promote and defend peace and security. SouthernDefenders reminds Eswatini that as a member state of SADC, its government should comply with the principles and guidelines to which the region is bound. The state of affairs in Eswatini is a clear reflection of the failure of the country’s leadership to defend and maintain peace, security and transparency for its citizens. SADC cannot continue to stand by and watch. 

As SouthernDefenders, we wish to express our heartfelt condolences to Thulani Maseko’s wife Tanele, their children, the Maseko family, and the human rights community in Eswatini. We reassert our support for and uncompromising solidarity with people of Eswatini in their continued quest for democracy. We call on the greater Africa and its friends to stand in solidarity with us on behalf of Maseko. His unshaken commitment for the achievement of justice and freedom will be our beacon for all time. 

SouthernDefenders strongly urges the Eswatini government to: 

1. Immediately allow for an internationally supported, thorough, independent and expeditious investigation into the circumstances of the killing of Thulani Maseko and others killed since 2021, to ensure justice and full accountability. 

2. Respect, protect and promote the rights of all under the jurisdiction of Eswatini to freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly and political participation even if they hold opposing views. 

3. Release all political prisoners and refrain from the excessive use of force to disperse protestors and refrain from the arbitrary arrest, detention, harassment or intimidation of pro-democracy activists and others expressing opposing views. 

4. Immediately end the violent rhetoric against pro-democracy activists and human rights defenders. 

5. Immediately allow for an inclusive and genuine political dialogue to usher in a democratic dispensation in Eswatini. 

SouthernDefenders calls on SADC to: 

1. Immediately set up a task force or oversight mechanism to ensure a swift, thorough and independent investigation into the arbitrary killing of Thulani Maseko and all other pro-democracy activists in Eswatini, that have taken place since 2021. 

2. Hold King Mswati III and the government of Eswatini accountable for the ongoing gross violations of human rights, including arbitrary detentions, excessive use of force against protesters, abductions and extra-judicial killings of activists. 

3. To evoke Article 4 and 5 of the Treaty which clearly stipulate the principles of democracy, rule of law and human rights that guide the acts of member states, and the democratic and political institutions that are to achieve this, taking all necessary steps to ensure adherence by Eswatini. 

4. Ensure the government of Eswatini respects, protects and fulfills its human rights obligations, in accordance with international and regional human rights law and standards as set out in the African Charter for Human and People’s Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. 

5. Robustly engage with King Mswati III and his government, opposition and civil society leaders, and other relevant stakeholders in and outside Eswatini to urgently broker an end to the ongoing political crisis and the ushering in of democratic reforms. 

Background on the Deteriorating Human Rights Situation in Eswatini: 

Since June – July 2021, one of the world’s last remaining absolute monarch has been rocked by nationwide protests which began against police brutality, but have now metamorphosed into sustained demands of democratic reforms, and an end to the excessive opulence of the Monarch, in the face of being one of the region’s poorest economies. In response, King Mswati III’s government has retaliated with excessive force, arbitrary arrests, detention, and abductions of pro-democracy leaders and protestors, as well as the shutdown of the internet, and blanket bans on protests. More than 80 people have been killed, 200 plus injured, and thousands of others arrested and detained. Currently, two Members of Parliament have been arbitrarily detained for 18 months, facing criminal prosecution under the Suppression of Terrorism Act in relation to their involvement in the protests. SouthernDefenders has directly received reports of lawyers and judges 

being harassed, threatened, and intimidated for their real or suspected support of the ongoing pro-democracy movement. Just last month, SouthernDefenders assisted one human rights lawyer who narrowly escaped death after gunshots were fired at his car. Fearing for his life, he was forced into exile, like many other citizens. 

Despite efforts by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to resolve the crisis, King Mswati III has ignored the pleas of citizens, opposition politicians, civil society, the regional and international community, and instead escalated the government’s crackdown on dissenting voices. He has openly called for an “eye for an eye” and failed to genuinely engage in dialogue. Recently, the government was accused of hiring mercenaries to assist its security forces in suppressing opposition voices. Credible reports indicate that Mercenaries wearing baklavas, are working alongside State security forces, and manning roadblocks in the country. The existence of mercenaries in the country and the chilling remarks made by King Mswati III point to a state sponsored assassination of Maseko. 

For further enquiries please contact 

● Washington Katema, Director: wkatema@southerndefenders.africa (+27 73 620 2608) 

● Meamande Wamukwamba, Programmes Manager: mwamukwamba@southerndefenders.africa (+27 630 072 402) 

Endorsed by the following civil society organizations: 

1. Ditshwanelo – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights 

2. International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), in the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders 

3. World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), in the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders 

4. Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition 

5. Front Line Defenders 

6. Panos Institute Southern Africa 

7. Center for Democracy and Development (CDD) 

8. Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) 

9. Centre for Human Rights 

10. Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR) 

11. Mozambique Human Rights Defenders Network (RMDDH) 

12. University of Pretoria 

13. Defenders Coalition

WILLY MUTUNGA: Honouring and glorifying Micere Mugo

In Matthew 13:53-6 we read about Jesus preaching in his hometown synagogue.

People knew him, his parents and his siblings. His people were amazed, but they began questioning where Jesus got his wisdom and miraculous powers.

In verse 57 we read: “And they took offence at him. But Jesus said to them, “Only in his home town and in his own house is a prophet without honour.”

At the National Theatre on January 10, 2023 artists, human rights and social justice activists, and feminists, gathered to present Professor Micere Githae Mugo with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

In an afternoon of radical and revolutionary music from the Field Marshal’s Band, we glorified and honoured our prophetess whose activism, radical writing, and socialist feminism are well known.

In our own city and our national theatre, Micere had our honour and glory.

In practice, we problematized and interrogated the words of Jesus by proving that we heeded his expectation that prophets and prophetesses should be honoured in their hometowns and houses.

This Human Rights Award, among other categories, are annually coordinated by the Defenders Coalition, a Human Rights NGO, that is assisted by the Working Group on Human Rights Defenders in Kenya.

The Human Rights Defenders Awards Judging Panel of four women and four men has since 2016 gone through the nominees and picked the Awards’ winners.

Funded by European Missions in Kenya in support of upholding, respecting, and protecting human rights and social justice, the partnership is also an example of global solidarity.

This initiative has been inspired by the immortal words of Desmond Tutu:

“It means a great deal to those who are oppressed to know that they are not alone. Never let anyone tell you that what you are doing is insignificant.”

A great panel of activists, former students and former colleagues of Micere at the University of Nairobi where she taught discussed her writing, politics, and her legacy in our struggles.

Moderated by Professor Kimani wa Njogu this panel glorified Micere and her works, particularly to young activists who read her works but could now internalize her works and politics after seeing her person.

There was a short session in which three members of the Human Rights Defenders Awards Judging Panel explained to the audience why they picked Micere for the Award.

Fundamentally, it was Micere’s consistent and continuous human rights activism; her socialist feminism; her patriotism; and her revolutionary vision for Kenya.

After the presentation of the Award Micere gave an unforgettable keynote speech. She briefly talked about her battle with cancer which has lasted 15 years.

She was in pain as she talked but she did not stop.

At the age of 80 years, she was delighted to see the patriotism and revolutionary energy that was expressed in various ways in the Theatre.

A highlight of the afternoon was a video of Micere talking about who she is, her ideology and politics, and her vision for Kenya.

We all related this message to why our struggles for a new Kenya must continue.

One of Micere’s mentees and former students, Dr Mshai Mwongola, had the last word when she took us through some of Micere’s great poems in her book, My Mother’s Poem and Other Songs.

I quote from the last poem Mshai read to us while we all participated in the refrain, “To be a Feminist is” which is also the title of the poem.

For me

to be a feminist is

to denounce patriarchy

and the caging of women

it is

to wipe the fuzziness

of colonial hangovers

to uproot the weeds

of neo-colonial pestilence

For me

to be a feminist is

to hurl

through cannon

of my exploding

righteous fury

the cannibal

named capitalism

it is

to pronounce

a death sentence

on the ogre

named imperialism.

For me

to be a feminist is

to unhood racism

to decry Zionism

to detonate apartheid

to obliterate “tribalism”

it is

to necklace homophobia

to drown fanaticism

to strangulate classism

to fumigate ethnic cleansing.

“Necklace homophobia”?

Over a week after this celebration, we were shocked by the brutal murder of Edwin Chiloba, a queer in the LGBTIQ+ community in Kenya.

A national debate, mainly in social media has taken place. It continues.

Lawyers, political leaders, women and men of various Faiths, and many others have made their contributions known.

Indeed, the issue of gay rights has reached our courts and it is headed to the Supreme Court of Kenya.

I suspect the decision of the Supreme Court on the issue will be glorified and vilified in an equal measure.

Homophobia continues to be one of the foundational ingredients in our politics of division.

Our Constitution has a vision of building a democratic secular nation and society as a basis of our humanity. It is a vision whose struggle continues.

As the country peacefully, I hope, continues to debate this issue I hope we will also consider the words of our own great philosopher, theologian, and Reverend, the late Professor John Samuel Mbiti.

He writes:

“Africans are notoriously religious, and each people has its own religious system with a set of beliefs and practices.”

I hope we will also consider the words of Pope Francis on this issue:

“Who am I to judge.”

The words of the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu are also important to reflect on.

He tells us that we do not own God; God has no partners; God is the Creator of all human beings; we should not second guess God; and that the God he worshipped was not homophobic.

Let me add that It is the same God we worship who has handed down a great commandment, Thou shalt not kill.

Micere teaches us to necklace homophobia. Let us also think through her words in the ongoing debate.

* Chief Justice & President of the Supreme Court, Kenya, 2011-2016

This article was first was published by The Star Newspaper – Kenya. All rights for reproduction remain with the entity.

EDWIN CHILOBA DID NOT DESERVE SUCH A BRUTAL DEATH

We, human rights defenders, civil society organizations and advocates for the absolute right to life, dignity, non-discrimination, condemn the gruesome senseless murder of high-flying fashion model and rights defender Edwin Kiprotich Kiptoo, popularly known as Edwin Chiloba.

Edwin who hails from Uasin Gishu County was a human rights advocate who working on mainstreaming the dire situation of LGBTQ+ community.

From reports, Edwin’s body was discovered lifeless and in a metal trunk by the roadside in Kapseret area on 5 January 2023.

The murder has caused a public uproar, but this is not enough. We decry that the murder of Edwin is one too many lives lost considering a string of murders of members of the sexual minority community.

We are concerned that the documented cases of sexual minority victims of violent crimes are consistently bulging as dust and justice at the mention of the names of Sheila Lumumba, Erica Chandra, Joash Mosoti is yet to settle.

As we applaud action by relevant authorities to arrest persons of interest, we call for speedy investigations and arraignment of suspects. We are concerned that the hate crime and violations on human rights defenders rarely receive appropriate and timely intervention, which has nurtured a culture of impunity.

We once again reiterate that the right to life is sacrosanct and is protected by our constitution and international treaties. Perpetrators must be arrested and tried in a court of law to ensure justice is served.

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR A CONSULTANCY FOR DEVELOPING AN OPERATIONAL PLAN 2023 FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DEFENDERS COALITION STRATEGIC PLAN 2020-2025

Contract Duration: 10th -17th January 2023

Contract Period: 7 working days

Who we are

Defenders Coalition (The National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders–Kenya) is a national organization incorporated in the Republic of Kenya as a Trust. Its mission is to strengthen the capacity of human rights defenders (HRDs) to work effectively in the country and to reduce their vulnerability to the risk of persecution, through protection, capacity building, and advocacy for a favorable legal and policy environment. Established in 2007, NCHRD-K is the only national organization that works primarily for the protection of HRDs.

The Defenders Coalition’s strategic plan 2020 – 2025 outlines the vision, mission and strategies of realizing the same. The strategic plan is futuristic and encompasses alignment to global human rights instruments as it seeks to effectively reposition the Defenders Coalition in the rapidly changing environment especially in technology. The identity of the plan is to present HRDs with holistic approaches geared towards a safe and secure environment for all HRDs through an established rapid response mechanism, capacity building and knowledge management structures.

Purpose and elements of the Operational Plan

The Operational Plan is the specific plan which prescribes how the Defenders Coalition will use its resources towards the implementation of the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan. It guides the day to day activities of the secretariat and its work plan for the coming year in order to achieve the goals and result areas set in the Strategic Plan. The Operational Plan identifies the activities and events that will be conducted by the Secretariat as aspired in the Strategic Plan. In a nutshell, the Operational Plan identifies the following key elements with a view of guiding the implementation of the identified activities:

1. Set measurable objectives that are clearly linked with the Defenders Coalition’s Strategic Plan (2020-2025)
2. Create measurable goals that support the objectives
3. Set up clear accountability and timeframe
4. Set budget and other resources required
   
5. Specify who is responsible for each objective and goal, and the deadline
6. Mechanisms to regularly track progress
7. Identify key fundraising opportunities

Expected output

The expected outputs of the consultancy are;

1. A comprehensive Operational Plan for the year 2022 which provides for the above key elements,
2. A comprehensive budget for the year 2022,
3. A MERL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning plan.

Scope and methodology of the Work

In preparing the Operational Plan, the Consultant is expected to undertake a close consultation of the Strategic Plan to identify activities and events for the year 2022.

The Consultant is required to submit a proposal which indicates the methodology on how the Plan will be developed and highlights the content of the Operational Plan. The proposal will be assessed in the manner Defenders Coalition deems suitable. After a consultation is held and the proposal is approved, the Consultant will then guide the secretariat on developing the Operational Plan. The Consultant then will submit the final Operational Plan document.

Reporting lines

The Consultant will work under the direct supervision and guidance of the Executive Director and the Head of Programs/Operations. However, during the course of work the consultant will be expected to liaise and consult directly with Defenders Coalition’s financial budgets.

Time Frame

The total amount of time given for the preparation of the Operational Plan is a 4 day period.

Application

The following should be included in the application:

• A Curriculum Vitae
• A two page proposal on how they are going to carry out the consultancy
• Company/individual profile including a minimum of three recent referees
• Evidence of programmatic and technical expertise

Application     should     be     submitted to     info@defenderscoalition.org and put in copy procurement@defenderscoalition.org no later than 10th December 2022 with the subject line CONSULTANCY FOR DEVELOPING THE OPERATIONAL PLAN 2023.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Disclaimer:

Defenders Coalition is an equal opportunity employer, committed to ensuring diversity, inclusivity and gender equality within our organization and work. Defenders Coalition, thus will recruit/award the consultancy to the most qualified person /company irrespective of race,color, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, gender, ethnicity. Only successful candidates will be contacted.

Download the terms of reference here