Irüngũ Houghton will step down as Executive Director of Amnesty International Kenya in June 2026.
Amnesty Kenya said his eight-year tenure has been marked by significant growth, financial stability, and institutional reforms.
According to Amnesty Kenya, under Houghton’s leadership, the organisation’s membership grew eightfold, with 165 Circles of Conscience now active across 35 counties. The organisation said these grassroots groups have strengthened its presence nationwide, enabling more direct community engagement on human rights issues.
“Our membership is the lifeblood of Amnesty Kenya,” Houghton said in a statement.
Adding;
“We have worked hard to make the organisation accessible, inclusive, and democratic. Seeing 165 Circles active across the country is proof of what committed people can achieve.”
Amnesty International stated that its budget grew by 150 per cent during Houghton’s tenure. The increase, the organisation said, was supported by a diversified funding base including member subscriptions, individual donations, and multi-year institutional funding, which has helped reduce reliance on traditional donors.
Houghton joined Amnesty Kenya in 2018 with a mandate to grow membership, diversify funding, strengthen campaigning, and oversee the transition to a member-governed, independent Section.
Irüngü Houghton’s success
Before joining Amnesty Kenya, Houghton worked with global NGOs including ActionAid, Oxfam, CARE, Greenpeace, WWF, and the London School of Economics, according to his biography on Amnesty Kenya’s website.
The organisation said his experience helped position Amnesty Kenya among the top ten fundraising sections in the global Amnesty movement.
Amnesty Kenya said the organisation has become a leading voice on issues such as police brutality, freedom of protest, digital privacy, and discrimination. In 2025, the organisation reported on threats to civic space when young activists faced online intimidation and digital surveillance.
Recently, Houghton resigned from the government’s Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Public Protests, citing constitutional concerns.
Board Chairperson Stellah Bosire said that the Board has begun a professional and competitive recruitment process to find Houghton’s successor.
Houghton said he will remain a life member and supporter of the organisation’s mission.
“The best Amnesty staff never really leave. We remain members, supporters, and lifelong defenders of human rights. For me, this is certainly true,” Houghton said.
According to the organisation, Amnesty Kenya is well-positioned to continue its work defending human rights and empowering communities across the country, building on the foundation laid during Houghton’s tenure.
