Kenya

PBI opened a project following extensive field and desk-based research into the human rights situation in the country and the needs of defenders. The project provides capacity development and accompaniment to HRDs working in Nairobi’s urban settlements as well as organizations carrying out electoral monitoring, working to end gender based violence, and those working for police reform, among other issues. 

Following receipt of a number of requests for PBI presence from African countries, in 2009 PBI formed a working group to evaluate the diverse protection needs of HRDs in Africa and the potential for PBI’s model to be effective in supporting their protection. 

Kenya was eventually selected for more in-depth field exploration, and the Kenya Project Exploratory Committee established in 2011.