Nderitu's efforts at KNCHR laid the groundwork for a more rights-conscious public service in Kenya.
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR)
Alice Wairimu Nderitu's tenure at the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) from 1999 to 2007 was marked by significant contributions to human rights education and advocacy in Kenya. As the head of the Human Rights Education and Capacity-Building Programme, she was instrumental in pioneering initiatives that integrated human rights principles into public service and law enforcement sectors.
Nderitu's efforts at KNCHR laid the groundwork for a more rights-conscious public service in Kenya. Her initiatives in education and training fostered a deeper understanding of human rights among government officials and security forces, contributing to systemic changes in how these entities engage with the public.
Key Contributions at KNCHR
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Establishment of Human Rights Education Department: Nderitu was the inaugural head of the KNCHR's Human Rights Education and Capacity-Building Programme. She developed and implemented the first human rights curriculum tailored for public officers, aiming to instill a culture of human rights within government institutions .
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Integration of Human Rights in Prisons: Drawing from her previous experience in the Kenya Prisons Service, Nderitu worked to incorporate human rights education into the prison system. She played a pivotal role in bringing the human rights agenda into prison reform discussions, contributing to more humane policies and practices within the correctional facilities.
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Training of Law Enforcement and Military Personnel: Beyond her work with public officers, Nderitu extended human rights training to law enforcement and military personnel. She conducted training sessions on civil-military cooperation and the rule of law at institutions such as the International Peace Support Training Centre in Kenya and the Rwanda Military Academy .