Busia:The Busia Law Courts have announced a new initiative to prioritize long-pending cases involving children during the ongoing Children Service Month. This effort aims to expedite justice and reinforce the protection of children’s rights within the legal system.
According to Kenya News Agency, Resident Magistrate Celestine Njagi stated that cases unresolved for over six months will receive priority treatment to address delays in administering justice. Njagi highlighted that the Busia Law Courts currently operate with only one children’s court, which has contributed to judicial delays. She emphasized the importance of public sensitization efforts throughout the month to educate children, parents, and stakeholders on child protection and rights.
The judiciary is committed to ensuring that perpetrators of child abuse, neglect, and defilement face legal consequences. Njagi affirmed that justice will be served to every child whose rights have been violated, warning that offenders will be punished According to law once proven guilty.
Civil society organizations, including the Rural Education and Economic Enhancement Programme (REEP), have urged the judiciary to expedite children’s cases. Mary Makokha, REEP Director, pointed out that prolonged court proceedings deny victims timely justice and called for the establishment of child-friendly service environments in hospitals and police stations to prevent negligence and ensure proper assistance for children.
Everline Achieng of the Linda Mtoto Project in Busia noted the creation of child rights clubs in schools and religious institutions as a measure to empower children with knowledge of their rights and to address parental neglect. She identified family conflicts, separation, economic hardships, and cross-border challenges as contributing factors to child neglect in the county.
