The Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation Commission of Kenya: A Well-Intentioned “Gender Policy” Threatened by Structural, Cultural, and Political Challenges

Abstract

Contested presidential elections in 2007 triggered mass violence throughout Kenya, resulting in a national crisis. When a political settlement was brokered through international mediation, a national dialogue led to the establishment of the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission of Kenya. Genuine efforts were made to be gender-sensitive, to ensure gender balance, to encourage the participation of women, and to provide redress to women and men based on their experiences and suffering. However, the TJRC was plagued by controversy from the outset and, as this chapter demonstrates, the robust set of recommendations provided by the Commission to promote gender equality, redress for sexual and gender-based crimes, and the increased political participation of women remain unrealized because of a shortage of political will and resources.