Nairobi:The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), in collaboration with Equality Effect, has successfully completed a nationwide training initiative aimed at enhancing the prosecution of defilement cases involving children.
According to Kenya News Agency, the 160 Girls Defilement Prosecution Training Programme, which began in April 2026, has trained 569 prosecutors from all 47 counties in Kenya. The programme provided these legal professionals with specialized skills to manage sexual offences while considering the trauma experienced by child survivors.
The programme’s conclusion with the 18th cohort marks a significant milestone in strengthening trauma-informed prosecution and improving justice quality for children who have suffered sexual violence. Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga emphasized that the initiative represents a fundamental shift in understanding and handling defilement cases beyond routine capacity building.
Ingonga highlighted the project’s objective to reform the National Police Service, ODPP, and Judiciary, making them capable of responding to sexual violence with a trauma-informed approach that respects survivors’ rights. He stressed the importance of understanding trauma’s impact on children, particularly regarding delayed disclosure or fragmented accounts.
The landmark 160 Girls case inspired the programme, revealing institutional response failures to defilement and catalyzing reforms for a more responsive justice system. The training aimed to help prosecutors grasp the challenges children face in the justice system, such as fear, confusion, and difficulties recalling traumatic events.
Anne Ireri, Global Legal Adviser at Equality Effect, noted the charity’s 14-year partnership with Kenya and its role in the 160 Girls case. She emphasized the importance of legal advocacy in bridging gaps in law and policy to ensure practical legal rights for survivors of sexual violence.
Alloys Kemo, Secretary of Prosecution Services, reported positive feedback from participating prosecutors, with 99.7% recommending the training to colleagues. Participants rated the programme’s components highly, expressing confidence in applying the strategies learned.
The training challenged prosecutors to reassess their assumptions and procedures in handling defilement cases, urging them to remain conscious of the affected children. The 12-module programme combined interactive and practical approaches, using realistic scenarios to connect legal concepts with daily prosecutorial work.
Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Ebby Maswai stressed the unique trauma experience each child carries into the justice system and the necessity of understanding trauma to ensure effective and compassionate justice.
The ODPP and Equality Effect aim to ensure that lessons from the 160 Girls case continue to inform everyday prosecution practices, centering on the experiences and dignity of child survivors within Kenya’s criminal justice response to sexual violence.
