Enforcement Mechanisms in Domestic Courts: A Survey of Human Rights Law in Kenya

Domestic courts in Kenya are responsible for enforcing human rights law, which includes a wide range of legal protections and civil liberties. A structured questionnaire was distributed among judges, lawyers, and academics to gather insights into the enforcement of human rights laws in Kenyan courts. The responses were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that while there is a growing recognition of human rights within the legal system, significant barriers remain in terms of judicial interpretation and practical application of these laws. Despite efforts to integrate human rights into court proceedings, the lack of clear guidelines and resources for judges hinders their ability to enforce such laws effectively. The judiciary should develop more comprehensive training programmes for judges on interpreting human rights law. Additionally, there is a need for government support in providing necessary legal resources.