The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), the state agency responsible for promoting and protecting human rights, has established a regional office in Garissa County.

The move has been hailed as a significant step toward addressing historical marginalization and promoting human rights in Northern Kenya.

The Commission’s delegation, led by Vice-Chairperson Dr. Raymond Nyeris and Chief Executive Officer and Secretary Dr. Bernard Mogesa, was warmly welcomed by the Garissa County Assembly leadership at the assembly headquarters.

The collaborative effort is aimed at enhancing legislative support, human rights awareness, and community empowerment.

The delegation, which included Senior Officer Ibrahim Abdi Kassim, met with County Assembly Speaker Abdi Idle Gure and key members, including Majority Leader Mohamed Abdi Farah, Madogashe MCA Mahat Abdikadir, and Nanighi MCA Abdullahi Ibrahim Sigat.

Garissa County Assembly Speaker Abdi Idle Gure described the establishment of the KNCHR regional office as “timely” and expressed enthusiasm for the strengthened partnership.

“The County Assembly is the people’s house: accessible, representative, and accountable,” said Gure.

“We welcome KNCHR as a critical partner in enhancing legislative capacity, protecting human rights, and deepening civic engagement in our region.”

The KNCHR regional office will offer legal services to the public, primarily through receiving and processing complaints, providing legal advice, and guiding individuals toward appropriate remedies.

Internally, the Commission’s legal department will support its operations by offering counsel, drafting contracts, and representing KNCHR in court proceedings.

The Commission also engages in strategic litigation, selecting cases that advance public interest, challenge discriminatory laws, as well as setting legal precedents to bolster Kenya’s human rights jurisprudence.

Dr. Nyeris emphasized the alignment between KNCHR’s mandate and the County Assembly’s objectives.

“We look forward to working together in our advisory role, particularly in supporting the enactment of people-centered legislation,” he said.

Dr. Mogesa said that KNCHR has a strong history of advising national and county legislatures on human rights-focused laws and is eager to extend this expertise to Garissa.

Garissa County Assembly members highlighted pressing regional concerns. Majority Leader Mohamed Abdi Farah stressed the need for human rights education, particularly in refugee-hosting areas, urging KNCHR to promote awareness of the Refugee Act.

Madogashe MCA Mahat Abdikadir raised alarms over increasing enforced disappearances and insecurity, calling for stronger legal safeguards and community-based programs.

Nanighi MCA Abdullahi Ibrahim Sigat pledged the Assembly’s full support, advocating for structured partnerships to promote rights-based governance.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) is the sole state agency mandated to investigate human rights violations and provide redress.

It also monitors compliance with human rights standards, conducts education and training, leads advocacy campaigns, and works in partnership with other stakeholders to promote human rights across Kenya.