Nakuru: The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) is advocating for the integration of human rights considerations into business operations, aiming to bolster investor confidence and enhance Kenya’s credibility and access in regional and global value chains.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Commission’s Senior Human Rights Officer for Business and Human Rights, Ms. Christina Arrumm, highlighted the increasing due diligence and sustainability requirements in markets such as the European Union (EU). She emphasized that responsible business conduct is now essential for competitiveness in both local and global markets. Ms. Arrumm reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to ensuring that economic development does not compromise human dignity and justice.
Though Kenya is experiencing rapid economic growth, Ms. Arrumm stressed that this progress must be ethical and inclusive to ensure a significant societal impact. She noted that as Kenya prepares to leverage opportunities from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and meet EU export market requirements, accountable business practices will enhance the country’s credibility and access in regional and global value chains.
Ms. Arrumm shared these insights during a Public-Private Sector Review of Kenya’s National Action Plan (NAP) 2020-2025 on Business and Human Rights at a Nakuru hotel. The meeting, organized by KNCHR in collaboration with the State Department of Justice, brought together stakeholders from various sectors to evaluate the NAP’s implementation, identify gaps, and plan the way forward.
She further explained that products from some African countries have faced boycotts in global markets due to human rights violations by their parent firms. This underscores the growing pressure on businesses to prevent human rights abuses in their supply chains and adhere to ethical practices.
Kenya’s NAP, the first of its kind in Africa, was approved by the Kenyan Cabinet in April 2021 and adopted by Parliament in 2022. It provides a framework to protect individuals and communities from business-related human rights abuses. The plan has domesticated the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, offering a universal framework for states and businesses to protect and respect human rights in business activities.
Ms. Arrumm highlighted KNCHR’s campaign to encourage Kenya’s private sector to comply with global human rights standards and leverage them to attract investment and secure market opportunities. She noted the importance of including children’s rights in legislation on responsible business conduct to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s sustainable development.
Investors in the renewable energy sector were urged to conduct human rights impact assessments to prevent abuses and mitigate conflicts. Ms. Arrumm observed that while renewable energy has the potential to significantly benefit communities and the economy, it can also lead to conflicts if not managed correctly. She emphasized the need for public participation and stakeholder consultations, particularly respecting the rights of indigenous peoples.
Ms. Arrumm warned that failure to consider human rights could lead to opposition, protests, negative publicity, and legal challenges, posing operational, financial, and reputational risks for businesses and governments.
Gaplink International Executive Director, Mr. Tom Mboya, noted that many Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) lack awareness of human rights due diligence requirements. He emphasized the importance of capacity-building for MSMEs to meet both EU and domestic NAP obligations.
As Nakuru’s growth attracts industrialists, Mr. Mboya called for local and foreign investors to adopt rights-respecting practices, ensuring accountability and benefiting communities affected by their activities. He advocated for policy development that prioritizes people and the environment over profit and stressed the need for increased budget allocations to regulatory bodies like NEMA to enforce human rights standards effectively.