Hopes of human rights defenders in Kisumu have been renewed following the re-opening of the Nyando Social Justice centre on Friday.
The centre, which has served the area for more than 10 years, was burnt down last year during demonstrations.
It handles issues of gender based violence and supports the work of human rights defenders.
Residents say the fire was caused by a teargas canister was lobbed by police officers.
Human rights defenders and their supporters could not hide their joy following the re-opening of the centre by Amnesty International.
CEO Irungu Houghton praised the defenders' courage in fighting for the community.
"The last time we stood here, the air smelt of burnt ash, the centre was completely destroyed and there were tears and a sense of hopelessness in the eyes of the human rights defenders," he said.
"At that time, we were here as part of a joint mission between the Kenya Medical Association and Law society of Kenya to record the violence that happened in July."
The August visit ended with a collective promise to rebuild a bigger and permanent resource for men, women and children of Nyando.
"We are just two months short of the first anniversary since the centre was burnt down and ten years of protecting Kenyans from gender-based violence and other human rights violations. The centre has been upgraded and will soon be fully operational," Houghton said.
Amnesty International UK executive director Sacha Desmukh's message was read by Beatrice Awuor.
Desmukh visited the centre in October last year.
"When we visited the centre back in October last year, we were humbled by your power and resilience in the face of adversity. You and your comrades moved us immensely. The determination to build back your centre is clear to us even now," she said.
Desmukh said the phoenix bird, which is often associated with immortality, rises from the ashes.
It cyclically regenerates and births again and again. It is a bird of wisdom, that evolves and refuses to be eliminated.
"May you rise this time even stronger more defiant and braver than before. So today, from AIUK we stand together with you and we celebrate this day with you. Arise and take your special place in this global movement of more than 10 million people who celebrate with you today in one triumphant voice," she said.
Kenya National Commission of Human Rights's Roseline Odede said the centre has helped the community bridge the gap between them and their rights.
