Research Reports
Civil Society Perspectives on Oversight and Reporting in CVE
A 2025 survey by Human Rights Agenda (HURIA) examines civil society organizations’ (CSOs) perspectives on Kenya’s Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), 2012, focusing on Section 40C, which mandates National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) oversight of CSO activities in Countering Violent Extremism (CVE). Engaging 86 CSOs across 20 counties, the report reveals high awareness (87%) of POTA but limited understanding (39%) of NCTC guidelines, with 19% of CSOs facing program delays due to approval issues. While 52% see POTA as enhancing coordination, 41% report it restricts their work. The findings highlight the need for clearer guidelines, greater transparency, and rights-based reforms to balance national security with civic space, urging collaborative frameworks to strengthen Kenya’s fight against violent extremism.
Unequal Ground: Unveiling Gender Disparities in Land Ownership in Kwale
The “Assessment of Land Ownership and Access Based on Gender in Kwale County” by Human Rights Agenda (HURIA) reveals stark gender disparities in land ownership, with only 23% of 1,098 land titles registered to women compared to 68% to men. Through quantitative data from Kwale’s Land Registry and qualitative insights from 26 women landowners, the report highlights pathways like inheritance and purchase, alongside barriers such as customary norms, bureaucratic hurdles, and land grabbing. Despite challenges, land ownership empowers women with economic resilience, social standing, and autonomy. The report calls for community sensitization, streamlined registration, and financial inclusion to advance equitable land access, aligning with the Constitution of Kenya 2010’s vision of justice and equality for “We, the People.” Read the full report to explore actionable recommendations for transformative change in Kwale.
Nowhere to Land
"Nowhere to Land?" by HURIA, fish landing sites in Kwale County are facing a severe crisis of accessibility and ownership. The assessment of 91 sites reveals that the majority are ungazetted, lack title deeds, and have been encroached upon or grabbed by private developers and corporations, directly impacting over 5000 small-scale fishers. Key challenges include blocked access roads, lack of basic infrastructure, and ongoing conflicts with powerful economic actors, severely threatening the livelihoods of fishing communities and the sustainability of local fisheries. Urgent action is needed to survey, gazette, and secure these vital public resources.
Where are the Police?
Incessant burglaries, stealing and theft continued to plague the Kwale Municipality within the headquarters of Kwale County in late 2021 to 2022. Over 40 incidents of housebreaking were reported in less than a year where burglars randomly struck at houses making away with electronics, cash, and jewelry collectively worth over five (5) million Kenyan shillings without a trace whatsoever.
Lifting the Veil
Lifting the Veil of Corporate Impunity is a compilation and summary of court cases, study and media reports and analysis on the environmental concerns and impacts of ARM Cement Ltd (formerly Athi River Mining Limited). The impacts and concerns are with regard to the operations of the company with effects touching on Health, Environment, Safety and labour relations of communities living in or around Kaloleni and Rabai constituencies of Kilifi County
Unmasking COVID 19 Fund Expenditure
The reported level of corruption and bureaucratic interference continue to negatively affect performance of county and national government institutions and departments mandate with key functions. The blatant corruption and abuse of office by duty bearers and public officers continues unabated. For instance, investigation from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) say preliminary findings have shown that several laws on public procurement were flouted during the awarding of the COVID-19 tenders .
Mining and Environment
The assessment was conducted to 30 small scale and large scale mining companies in Kilifi, Kwale and Taita Taveta Counties. A total of 10 large scale and 20 small scale mining companies mainly distributed in the mineral belt of Kasighau, Kishushe and Mwatate in Taita Taveta County, Kuranze, Maumba - Shimba hills area and Waa in Kwale County and Jaribuni, Gongoni, Ganze and Tezo in Kilifi County.
Beyond Shadows of Justice
