Human rights defenders in Kenya will soon have access to faster and more secure protection through a revamped mobile application designed to report threats and violations in real time.

The Defenders Coalition has upgraded its Mtetezi app, originally created for election monitoring — into a comprehensive digital tool for safeguarding activists in high-risk environments.

The improved Mtetezi, meaning “defender,” now allows human rights defenders (HRDs) to securely document and submit details of threats or abuses regardless of the context.

With enhanced encryption, location tagging, and automated alerts to support networks, the app promises quick responses in situations where traditional reporting mechanisms are slow or inaccessible.

“Defenders Coalition successfully completed the revamp and expansion of the Mtetezi application, transforming it from a specialised election monitoring tool into a broader, more powerful platform for reporting human rights violations,” the organisation said in its quarterly report.

The coalition, a leading civil society group, works to protect and promote the rights of individuals and groups advocating for human rights. It offers legal aid, emergency support, training, and advocacy, particularly for those in politically sensitive or hostile spaces.

The intervention comes amid growing risks for HRDs, with queer rights advocates, land rights campaigners, environmental justice activists, and governance reform champions increasingly facing threats from government agents and sections of the public.

“The upgraded Mtetezi now enables Human Rights Defenders across Kenya and beyond to securely report incidents affecting the rights and safety of individuals and communities, regardless of the context,” the coalition said. “It is a secure, fast and discreet means of communication and documentation.”

The app’s redesign incorporates features specifically aimed at younger activists, including Gen Z users, who are often at the forefront of advocacy work.

The platform is positioned as a critical lifeline for those operating in high-risk zones.

Defenders Coalition plans to launch a pilot phase in the coming quarter to test Mtetezi’s functionality in real-world situations. “Looking ahead, Defenders Coalition is preparing to roll out a piloting phase in the coming quarter,” the report reads.

“This phase will help test the application’s functionality, gather user feedback and ensure the platform is well-optimised for use in various thematic contexts.”

The pilot will involve defenders from diverse regions and backgrounds, ensuring the app meets the needs of both urban and rural activists while fine-tuning technical aspects for maximum reliability.