Data consists of field notes, which was collected through informal interviews and discussions, and attendance at Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission(TJRC) hearings and public meetings. The project is developed around six research questions: (1) What do Kenyans expect from the TJRC process? (2) How does the TJRC collect, manage, present and report the ‘truth’? (3) How do Kenyans try and use the Commission, and for what ends? (4) Do Kenyans accept the ‘truth’ acknowledged and ‘justice’ provided (and promised)? (5) What is the Commission’s immediate and likely contribution to ‘reconciliation’? (6) What lessons can be drawn for those thinking of using ‘truth commissions’ as a tool for post-conflict management and societal transformation in other contexts? This project provides a critical analysis of Kenya’s Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC). The TJRC Bill was passed in 2008 following post-election violence in 2007/8 that led to the death of over 1,000 people and displacement of at least 700,000 in two months. Commissioners were chosen in 2009, and the Commission is scheduled to submit a final report in May 2013.

Data was collected through informal interviews and discussions with Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission(TJRC) staff, civil society activists, victims, witnesses, and members of the public in Kenya. Data was also collected through attendance at public hearings of the TJRC and relevant meetings.