Civic space in Kenya continues to be under pressure as a range of actions are being directed against the work of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) and Civil Society organizations in Kenya. Physical attacks, criminalization, administrative actions, legislative restrictions, negative rhetoric and limitation of human rights have undermined the constitutional and international protections available to HRDs.
It is against this backdrop that the Working Group on Human Rights Defenders in Kenya, which brings together CSOs, the UN, and Missions concerned with the protection of HRDs, is organizing the Eleventh edition of the HRD Awards on the 27th of November 2026. This year’s Awards ceremony aims to honor and publicly recognize the important work of HRDs in Kenya, by giving out awards to individuals who have demonstrated courage, innovation, and impact in the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The awards are presented in four categories: the Upcoming Human Rights Defender of the year Award, Human Rights Defender of the Year Award, Munir Mazrui Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Global Solidarity Award.
The objectives of these awards are to:
- Honor the extraordinary work of HRDs in the promotion and protection of human rights.
- Positively profile the work of HRDs and the challenges they face as agents of social change and transformation.
- Recognize and appreciate the human rights work of young and upcoming HRDs in Kenya and support talent.
- Enhance the safety and protection of all HRDs in Kenya.
- Recognize innovation in engaging with human rights work
The Working Group on Human Rights Defenders in Kenya issues a call for nomination, circulated by the Defenders Coalition and partners, outlining eligibility criteria for individuals and organizations across four categories.Nominations can be done in two ways:
- Filling the nomination form in the online portal
- Submitting a video/audio recording to hrdawards@defenderscoalition.org or 0743685414 with the guidelines stated below:
- 3-minute video in landscape mode with clear audio
- State Your name
- Name of the person you are nominating, email address and telephone number
- County
- Category of nomination
- Their human rights work o Impact of their work in the community
- Challenges faced and how they have overcome them
- You can use any language
- You can call 0743685414 to make your nomination.
Please note that the shortlisting committee does not put into consideration the number of nominations received for an individual as a merit for the award. Shortlisting and selection is based on the impact of HRD’s work.
Shortlisting
A panel comprised of Human Rights Defenders, missions and organizations involved in the planning of the HRD Awards then shortlists five individuals per category within the set-out guidelines for shortlisting candidates.
Verification
Defenders Coalition verifies the HRD’s human rights work through field visits, and interviews with the nominators, the nominees, and their references.
Selection
The Independent Jury Panel, which comprises eminent individuals in the human rights sector, makes a final decision, from the names submitted, on the recipient of the three awards and the runner up.
Award ceremony
Will be held on 27th November 2026 in the presence of CSOs, the UN, the government, selected HRDs, representatives from the International Missions, and the media who will cover the event.