Eldoret:The Judiciary has intensified its initiatives to enhance the protection of children’s rights through improved multi-agency collaboration and expedited resolution of cases involving minors. This development comes as part of the National Children’s Justice Service Month, observed in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
According to Kenya News Agency, the month-long initiative, held every November, aims to fortify coordinated action amongst justice sector stakeholders to safeguard childhood rights beyond mere commitments. As part of the launch, Justice Antony Ndung’u, the Presiding Judge of the High Court of Eldoret, emphasized the importance of prioritizing children’s cases and reviewing pending matters to ensure timely and appropriate attention for minors involved in the justice system.
Justice Ndung’u noted the diverse circumstances under which children enter the justice system, including those requiring care and protection, those in conflict with the law, and those who are victims of crime. He highlighted the constitutional requirement for cases involving children in conflict with the law to be resolved within six months and stressed that the dedicated service month aims to address delays due to resource constraints.
More than 5,000 cases involving children have been filed across the country between November last year and October this year, with over 4,600 successfully concluded. Only six cases involving children in conflict with the law remain pending, a result attributed to the sustained efforts of judicial officers to expedite hearings and reduce the time minors spend in custody.
The Judiciary aims to address over 370 civil cases during November, including those related to child maintenance and protection. Magistrates, including the Chief Magistrate, have been assigned dedicated court sessions throughout the month to manage children’s matters and reduce backlog.
The initiative involves various stakeholders, such as the Children’s Department, probation officers, remand homes, the prison department, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Law Society of Kenya, and the National Legal Aid Service. Oscar Oduor Opondo, Chairperson of the Law Society of Kenya North Rift Branch, called for stronger coordination among agencies handling children’s cases and stressed the importance of treating children in conflict with the law as individuals requiring assistance and rehabilitation.
Peris Birichi, State Counsel with the National Legal Aid Service, stated that the agency offers free legal assistance focusing on children’s matters, including custody, guardianship, and maintenance disputes. Major (Rtd.) John Seii, Chairman of the Alternative Justice System in the region, advocated for greater involvement of family and community structures in addressing challenges affecting children.
County Children’s Officer Alice Wanyonyi expressed concern over declining parental involvement in child upbringing, attributing it to demanding work schedules and other responsibilities. Turbo Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Sawe urged stakeholders to ensure that cases affecting minors are handled appropriately through the formal justice system, particularly serious offences such as rape and defilement.
The National Children’s Justice Service Month serves as an annual opportunity for justice sector institutions and stakeholders to evaluate progress, address gaps, and strengthen interventions to ensure every child enjoys their constitutional rights and receives justice in a timely, dignified, and child-friendly manner.
