ABSTRACT
A distinctive feature of Kenya’s engagement with the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism is the difference which its civil society made to the state’s level of engagement. The preparation of the state report of Kenya during UPR I and II was coordinated by the Advisory Committee on International Human Rights Obligations that was set up by the government in 2005. The UPR process has had some impact on Kenya’s compliance with its United Nations reaty body reporting obligations. After its UPR I in 2010, the government began to meet many of its outstanding reporting obligations. Kenya, therefore, had a comprehensive representation during both cycles of its UPR. The competence of its delegation and the gender balance of its composition can be an indication of the government’s commitment to the UPR mechanism. The pre-review side events for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) which are organised by UPR Info before each UPR session in Geneva provide further opportunity for NGO advocacy.
