Commissioner Wamalwa Leads KNCHR to Mara University: Intersex-Rights Lecture & MOU Signing

Commissioner Dr. Wamalwa Dennis led a delegation from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) on a courtesy call to Mara University, where the team engaged the Vice Chancellor, Prof. P. Aloo-Obudho, PhD, EBS, on prospects for collaboration aimed at strengthening human rights discourse within academia.

During the meeting, Commissioner Wamalwa and the Vice Chancellor explored areas of partnership between KNCHR and the University, with a shared focus on embedding human rights principles more firmly into teaching, research, and student engagement. Both parties affirmed their commitment to nurturing a generation of scholars and future leaders well-versed in human rights values.

Commissioner Wamalwa engages the Mara University leadership during the courtesy call.

A partnership sealed by an MOU

The engagement culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between KNCHR and Mara University, formalizing a partnership to advance human rights education, research, and advocacy. The MOU sets out a framework for joint initiatives — including collaborative research, capacity building, internship and attachment opportunities for students, and joint outreach programs aimed at deepening human rights awareness within the university community and beyond.

Commissioner Wamalwa and the Vice Chancellor signed the document on behalf of their respective institutions, describing it as a significant milestone in institutionalizing the partnership between KNCHR and the academy.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between KNCHR and Mara University.

A public lecture on intersex rights

As part of the visit, Commissioner Wamalwa delivered a public lecture to students in the Department of Political Science, where he raised awareness on intersex rights and the unique challenges faced by intersex persons in Kenya. He used the platform to reaffirm KNCHR’s continued commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of all persons, regardless of sex characteristics, gender identity, or any other status.

Speaking during the lecture, Commissioner Wamalwa emphasized the critical role that universities play as centers of knowledge production and civic formation, noting that meaningful and lasting progress on human rights requires deliberate engagement with young people and academic institutions.

The engagement with Mara University, sealed by the newly signed MOU, forms part of KNCHR’s broader strategy of building strategic partnerships with institutions of higher learning to advance human rights education, research, and advocacy across the country.