Nyeri: Nyeri Law Courts have launched a month-long drive aimed at expediting the hearing and conclusion of children’s cases as part of efforts to uphold the rights of children. The campaign, dubbed ‘Children’s Service Month,’ seeks to strengthen collaboration among actors in the legal justice system and ensure timely administration of justice for minors.
According to Kenya News Agency, during the launch of the campaign, Nyeri Presiding Judge, Justice Maureen Odero, emphasized the urgent need for joint collaboration in safeguarding children’s rights and protecting the welfare of minors within the justice system. Justice Odero highlighted the need for collaboration among all legal justice actors, urging them to play their roles in ensuring compassionate treatment for children in conflict with the law and those in need of care and protection.
Justice Odero revealed that there are currently 112 criminal cases at the Nyeri Law Courts involving children, 75 of which are sexual offences. Additionally, the court is handling 81 civil cases involving children and another 58 cases of children in need of care and protection. In line with this year’s theme-securing justice for every child, enhancing multi-agency collaboration, and increasing budgetary allocation to combat child abuse-judicial officers will prioritize the disposal of children’s cases that have been pending in court for more than six months.
The Nyeri Law Court has planned a number of activities during this month, including hearing and disposing of the backlog of children’s cases that have been in the courts for over six months. Justice Odero also called for increased budgetary allocation for children’s matters to facilitate the construction of child-friendly courts, noting the challenges when children find themselves confined in cells with adults due to inadequate facilities.
Nyeri Chief Magistrate, Elena Nderitu, noted that the judiciary had designated November to amplify and remind duty bearers in child protection of their responsibility to uphold children’s rights. She highlighted that the Nyeri courts had adopted alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to create a more child-friendly environment, deterring children from engaging in crime and ensuring their swift reintegration into society.
The launch event was attended by stakeholders from various agencies, who called for improved collaboration and communication within the justice system. Nyeri Central Sub-County Police Commander, Andrew Mbogo, expressed concern over the increase in offences against children, noting a rise in defilement and missing children cases. He assured that the police are committed to ensuring thorough investigation of cases involving children, with officers being trained in child-sensitive procedures.
Millicent Wambugu from the Anglican Church of Kenya Imarisha Program emphasized the need for psychosocial support for children, advocating for the justice system to collaborate with stakeholders in addressing the emotional and psychological well-being of affected children.
