Your rights as a victim of crime
Victim Protection Act; Victim Protection Board · sources read 2 Oct 2026
As a victim of crime you have the right to attend the trial, have it finish without unreasonable delay, give your views (including on any plea bargain), get a free interpreter and be protected from intimidation. You can give the court a victim impact statement before sentencing and claim compensation from the offender.
- Where
- The court handling the case and the prosecutor; the Victim Protection Board (Office of the Attorney General) for compensation
Steps
- Tell the prosecutor you want to make a victim impact statement; they must refer you to a victim services agency to help you prepare it.
- In the statement, tell the court how the crime has affected your life and any fears you have for your safety.
- Your views and concerns can be put to the court by your own lawyer.
- For compensation, the court must first make a compensation order after the accused is found guilty; the Victim Protection Board can then compensate.
Watch out
- An employer who punishes an employee for going to court as a witness commits an offence: a fine of up to KSh 200,000, up to 6 months in jail, or both.
- The Victim Protection Act does not cover victims of historical injustices.
- Your right to information about the case must not unreasonably delay or harm the investigation or prosecution.
Who this covers
- Anyone who suffers injury, loss or damage as a result of a crime.
- You count as a victim even if the crime was not reported to the police.
- Employees who miss work to testify or to help the police: the employer may not dismiss, suspend or penalise them.
Official sources (3)
- Constitution of Kenya, 2010 new.kenyalaw.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- The Victim Protection Act, 2014 (No. 17 of 2014), Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 143 probation.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Compensation of Victims of Crime statelaw.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026