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Kenya is currently abuzz with excitement at the impending arrival of President Barack Obama. After months of preparation in Nairobi, including dramatic makeovers to the city’s central district, the nation is ready to host its first visit from a sitting U.S. president. Despite this preparation,  Kenya continues to face serious challenges, including government repression, terrorism, and rampant corruption by state security forces. President Obama should use this week’s trip to urge Kenya’s leaders to address these human rights concerns.

While the official focus of President Obama’s visit is on economic development and entrepreneurship, the protection of human rights should be a central feature. 

Kenyan human rights activists told me they want President Obama to make it clear that violations of human rights and attacks on peaceful dissent run counter to the Kenyan Government’s efforts to combat extremism.  

Kenya is a key partner in the global struggle against violent extremism and must do better.

Brian Dooley
Director, Human Rights Defenders