Introduction
The Laikipia University Human Rights Club was established in 2013 by the Director of External Linkages Dr. Chacha who then became the club’s patron. With the help of the current chairperson of the club Sylvia Adongo, the club began its operations. In 2015, the club became official following the establishment and launch of the Center for Human Rights in the university which was officially opened by the US Ambassador Robert Godec among other representatives from the United Nations.
The club’s main function was to realize and discuss issues pertaining to human rights both within the region and at the national level. The club was also responsible for mobilizing students to human rights public lectures, trainings and workshops.
In 2016, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) established its Laikipia office within the Laikipia University campus and this has successfully helped the human rights club further realize the human rights agenda.
In November 2016, the KNCHR facilitated a peace mission workshop in Rumuruti where officials of the club went for the peace talks. The region had been struck by inter-communal clashes between the Samburu and Kikuyu communities which resulted in many deaths and several other human rights violation in the region. The peace mission provided insight on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and the role of Human Rights Defenders in restoration of peace and calm in warring communities.
On 1st November 2016, the KNCHR and the Laikipia University Human Rights club facilitated a Human Rights Defenders training which was conducted by KNCHR. The training proved resourceful as it enlightened the club members on the role and mandate of KNCHR, HRDs qualification and requirements as well as the powers of KNCHR.
The club has also run successful public lectures and training which was conducted by several personnel visiting the institution through the External Linkages department. One such was a public lecture on Human rights by the former chairperson of KNCHR Hassan Omar where he advised the students to be leaders of change and restore the Kenyan glory.
In 2014, there was a human rights campaign dabbed ‘Be The Voice Of Africa’ which was conducted by celebrated Kenyan artist Nazizi in collaboration with the African Union where they urged the youth to raise their voice against extremism and abuse of office.
The Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights and The Commission on Administrative Justice (Office of The Ombudsman) have also conducted successful trainings and lectures with the students.