NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 13 – Chief Justice Martha Koome is considering a policy directive designating special court days for management of children cases in a bid to expedite matters involving minors.
The envisaged changes will form part of reforms to protect children in line with the Chief Justice’s commitment to promote the welfare of children.
Koome hinted at the changes on Friday even as she reiterated her commitment to fully implement the Children Act (2022).
“Among areas of focus include decongesting remand homes, designating specific days to hear cases involving children and countrywide training for Judicial Officers on the Children Act,” she stated.
The CJ remarked on the planned reforms at a meeting with the Chairperson of the Special Taskforce on Children Matters formed under the National Council on the Administration of Justice who presented a progress report on ongoing reforms on child justice.
She met Lady Justice Teresia Matheka alongside the Child Justice Advisor in her office, Juliet Gachanja.
Further Koome vowed to ensure regular assessment of remand homes to ensure the rights of children in these facilities are protected.
“Heads of Stations will also be required to pay visits to institutions where children are held within their jurisdictions every month, as part of the Judiciary’s commitment to ensure the rights and welfare of children are fully protected.”
The reforms will seek to build on existing interventions including the Children’s Service Month in November 2022.
CJ Koome launched the Justice Matheka-led taskforce while flagging off activities for the service month themed ‘A Justice System Fit for Children’.
Speaking at the launch, Koome said the move is part of a commitment by the Judiciary and actors in the justice sector to improve responsiveness to children’s matters.
She called upon more courts across the country to establish Children Court User Committees to help children in contact with the law and in conflict with the law to access justice.
“Children Court User Committees are instrumental in coordinating the delivery of justice in children matters. They also act as a vehicle to sensitize the community on matters related to child justice,” Koome said on November 3.
She directed courts across the country to observe the annual November Service Month on children’s matters by promoting their rights.
“Colleagues, as we embark on this years’ Service Month, let us prioritize clearance of the Children matters, especially those that have been in courts beyond the statutory six months,” Koome said.
