COVAW: Govt compensates survivors of 2007/08 post-election sexual violence
In a historic move, the government of Kenya has, for the first time, compensated survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, according to the Coalition on Violence Against Women (COVAW).
Four survivors of the 2007–2008 post-election sexual violence have received a total of Ksh16 million, marking a significant milestone in the country’s human rights history.
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“Justice, at last! After 13 long years, four brave survivors of post-election sexual violence have finally received compensation from the government of Kenya, a first in the country’s history,” COVAW announced in a post on July 19, 2025.
“This moment is about more than money; it’s about recognition, dignity, and healing.”
The compensation follows a lengthy legal battle initiated through Petition 122 of 2013. The petition, filed in the High Court, sought justice for eight survivors of sexual violence during the 2007–2008 post-election crisis.
The High Court delivered its landmark judgement in December 2020, nearly five years before the compensation was finally paid out on July 18, 2025.
In a joint statement issued on July 18, 2025, COVAW and its partners emphasised the historical significance of the payment.
“In a historic move, the government of Kenya has paid Ksh16 million in compensation to four of the eight survivors of sexual violence in Petition 122 of 2013, marking the first time in Kenya’s history that survivors of conflict-related sexual violence are receiving official compensation for the harm they endured.”
The organisations involved acknowledged the delay but recognised the payment as a long-overdue victory.
“This long-awaited payment comes nearly five years after the High Court delivered its groundbreaking judgement in December 2020 and thirteen years since the petition was initiated in the High Court. It serves as an affirmation that justice, though long delayed, is indeed possible.”
They also underscored the broader implications of the payout, noting it sets a precedent for state accountability.
“This milestone reflects a significant step forward in Kenya’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and constitutional rights and acknowledges the dignity and pain of survivors, many of whom have waited more than a decade to be heard.”
According to the statement, the compensation is about more than financial redress.
“This moment is not just about financial redress; it is about recognition, healing, and setting a precedent that the state is obligated to effectively investigate, prosecute, and provide reparation for conflict-related sexual violence. It offers hope to countless others and hopefully marks a turning point in how Kenya responds to survivors of sexual violence moving forward.”
However, the journey toward justice remains incomplete. The payment covers only the principal award, and interest remains outstanding.
“At the same time, the ongoing civil appeal case F645 of 2021 serves as a reminder that the fight for comprehensive justice continues.”
The case involves four other survivors who were assaulted by non-state actors and excluded from the 2020 ruling. The co-petitioners argue that the state is responsible for failing to prevent and respond to all forms of sexual violence.
“I thought I would die before receiving my court-ordered compensation! Many thanks to the government of Kenya for humanising me and for hearing me,” one survivor said.
“We will remain with the survivors until all pending interest is paid. We will remain with them until the appeal judgement is delivered and the excluded survivors are compensated. We will remain with them until the state fulfils its responsibility to all survivors of sexual and political violence in Kenya. May justice be our shield and defender.”
