Centre for Human Rights and Policy Studies

21/04/2026

Financial regulation continues to shape the operating environment for civil society in complex ways. In a recent episode of The Need for Courage: Experiments with Peace, Brian Kimari, Coordinator of the Kenya NPO Working Group on FATF, joins a panel of experts to examine how global standards set by the Financial Action Task Force have produced unintended consequences for peacebuilding and human rights organisations.

The discussion explores the impact of de-risking and de-banking practices on nonprofit access to financial services, drawing on insights from actors working across advocacy, research, and practice. It underscores the need for stronger collaboration between regulators, financial institutions, and civil society to ensure that compliance measures are proportionate and do not undermine legitimate humanitarian and peace efforts.

Listen to the podcast here:

Podcast Episode · The Need for Courage: Experiments with Peace · March 31 · 33m

07/04/2026

The NPO Working Group on FATF convened its third T2R session on Due Diligence, bringing together perspectives from the regulatory environment, the NPO sector, and the financial system.
Participant feedback indicated that the engagement was relevant and well-aligned with the Working Group’s Strategy. At the same time, reflections pointed to the need for broader stakeholder inclusion, greater participation of youth and grassroots organizations, strengthened resource mobilisation, and more structured, action-oriented follow-up. -KenyaMuslims for Human Rights (MUHURI)

07/04/2026

The NPO Working Group on FATF, in collaboration with TI-Kenya and Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI), convened a Working Group meeting bringing together 32 civil society actors.
The engagement focused on reviewing progress against prior commitments and assessing implementation across key strategic pillars: Research and Learning, Awareness and Resilience, Financial Inclusion, and Multi-Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy. The discussions underscored continued efforts to align Kenya’s NPO sector with international AML/CFT standards, while maintaining attention to the protection of civic space.

30/01/2026

The launch of Safer Eastlando, Braver Voices! in December 2025 marked the beginning of a three-year, community-led effort to strengthen safety and security in Kayole and Kiamaiko.

The project supports the development of community-defined safety and security metrics, interventions, and safe spaces in Nairobi’s low-income urban settlements. It is implemented in partnership with Kiamaiko Community Social Justice Kayole Community Justice Center. and the African Women’s Orchestra, with support from the Open Society Foundations

Launch activities in Kayole and Kiamaiko prioritised community ownership and inclusion, convening local administration, community health promoters, Nyumba Kumi representatives, religious leaders, civil society organisations, community members, and artists. Performances and cultural expression were central to the launch, creating accessible spaces for dialogue grounded in the local context.

As the project moves forward, it will support stronger community coordination, safer spaces, and locally informed responses shaped by the people most affected.

22/10/2025

Reflections on Indigenous Knowledge in Kenya.
CHRIPS researchers explore the current state of Indigenous Knowledge systems in Kenya. Findings highlight their enduring strength and the challenges that continue to limit their recognition and use.

Indigenous Knowledge remains undervalued in research and policy, with narratives still largely shaped by the Global North.

The vital contributions of women and youth are often overlooked, despite their central roles in preserving and transmitting IK.

Technology opens new opportunities for documentation and preservation, but also raises critical questions about ownership, access, and exploitation.

The discussion underscores the need for stronger cultural and legal frameworks that protect IK and ensure Indigenous communities benefit from its application.
🎥 Watch the full discussion: https://youtu.be/THXzjoAg34I

Indigenous Knowledge systems in Kenya remain a powerful source of resilience, identity, and innovation for communities. Yet, they continue to face marginalis...

18/09/2025

Today, CHRIPS hosts the Indigenous Knowledge Indaba Session—a forum to present research and engage stakeholders on the current state of Indigenous Knowledge in Kenya.

Key discussion areas include:
- Gendered dimensions of Indigenous Knowledge
- Policy gaps and institutional weakness
- Technology as both a resource and a risk

By engaging Indigenous leaders, researchers, and policymakers, this dialogue seeks to unpack community-centred approaches to indigenous knowledge in Kenya. We start at 11:00 AM,
EAT
🔗 Join here: https://bit.ly/IndigenousknowledgeProject

15/09/2025

How do Indigenous Knowledge systems shape climate resilience, cultural continuity, and community empowerment in Kenya?
On 18 September, CHRIPS will share preliminary findings from research conducted across Kenya, highlighting opportunities and challenges in strengthening Indigenous Knowledge.

📅 Sept 18, 2025 | 11AM–1PM EAT

🔗 Register: https://bit.ly/IndigenousknowledgeProject



Smart Move CommunityAction Life KenyaHAKI AfricaMIDRIFT HURINET

10/09/2025

Webinar Alert!
Join us for a discussion on community-centred approaches to indigenous knowledge in Kenya. We will unpack its significance in climate resilience, cultural continuity, and community empowerment while addressing the challenges and opportunities it presents.
Thursday, September 18, 2025
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM EAT
Register here: https://bit.ly/IndigenousknowledgeProject