Defenders Coalition unveils Mtetezi App for monitoring of rights abuses
The coalition, a key civil society group, provides legal assistance, emergency support, training, and advocacy for human rights defenders, especially those working in hostile or politically sensitive environments.
Human rights defenders in Kenya are set to gain a powerful new tool in their fight for justice and safety with the launch of an upgraded Mtetezi mobile application.
This enhanced platform, developed by the Defenders Coalition, allows activists to quickly and securely report threats and abuses in real time, offering a critical lifeline in dangerous situations.
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Originally designed as a specialised tool for election monitoring, Mtetezi, which means “defender,” has been expanded to cover all forms of human rights issues. It now enables defenders to submit detailed reports safely and anonymously, regardless of their location or the type of violation they face.
“Defenders Coalition completed the revamp and expansion of the Mtetezi application, transforming it from a specialised election monitoring tool into a broader, more powerful platform for reporting human rights violations,” the organisation noted in its quarterly report.
The coalition, a key civil society group, provides legal assistance, emergency support, training, and advocacy for human rights defenders, especially those working in hostile or politically sensitive environments.
With threats increasing, especially against groups advocating for queer rights, land justice, environmental causes, and governance reforms, the app arrives at a crucial time.
The new Mtetezi app features advanced encryption technology, location tagging, and automated alerts that notify support networks instantly, enabling faster responses where traditional reporting can be slow or impossible.
This secure communication channel is especially useful for younger activists, including members of Generation Z, who are often at the forefront of human rights work.
“The upgraded Mtetezi now enables Human Rights Defenders across Kenya and beyond to securely report incidents affecting the rights and safety of individuals and communities, regardless of the context,” the Defenders Coalition said.
Looking ahead, the organisation plans to launch a pilot phase in the coming quarter to test the app under real-life conditions. This phase will collect user feedback and help optimise the platform for use across different themes and regions.
“Looking ahead, Defenders Coalition is preparing to roll out a pilot phase in the coming quarter,” the report states. “This phase will help test the application’s functionality, gather user feedback and ensure the platform is well-optimised for use in various thematic contexts.”
The pilot will involve human rights defenders from both urban and rural areas, ensuring the app suits the needs of diverse users and remains effective in different environments.
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