The Judiciary has committed to prioritising cases involving children and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) as part of efforts to ensure timely justice for vulnerable individuals.
The commitment followed engagements between the Judiciary, the State Department for Children Services, and other justice sector agencies during Chief Justice Martha Koome’s working visit to Bungoma County.
Principal Secretary for Children Services Carren Ageng’o said the State Department had engaged the Judiciary and other stakeholders to enhance the response to violence against children and improve minors’ access to justice.
She noted that case delays can prolong children’s exposure to vulnerability, trauma, and other risks, making swift resolution essential for safeguarding their rights and best interests.
“Timely determination of cases is essential in safeguarding the rights and best interests of every child,” Ageng’o affirmed.
The PS added that the State Department would collaborate with the Judiciary, county governments, and other institutions to strengthen child protection systems. The partnership aims to particularly ensure that cases involving minors are effectively managed from initial reporting and investigation through prosecution and final determination.
The Bungoma engagements led to several key commitments including developing a County Action Plan on Child Protection, strengthening interventions against gender-based violence, and improving collaboration between the State Department and the county government in operationalizing the Child Protection Unit.
Ageng’o also advocated for the early recording of children’s evidence to expedite cases involving minors and reduce their prolonged exposure to court processes.
She stressed that stronger coordination among justice institutions and child protection agencies is necessary to ensure vulnerable children receive protection, care, and appropriate legal support without undue delays.
Additionally, the discussions resulted in a commitment to establish a Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre for vulnerable children in Bungoma, alongside enhanced interventions against GBV.
