Justice leaders, stakeholders call for urgent reforms to strengthen Kenya’s child protection and justice systems

Kenya’s judiciary and child welfare stakeholders have renewed calls to strengthen the country’s child protection systems as the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) launched the 2025 National Annual Child Justice Month at the Mathare Special Training Centre in Nairobi.

The event brought together government officials, judicial officers, development partners, and children from vulnerable backgrounds to reaffirm the country’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of every child.

Milimani High Court Family Division Presiding Judge, Hillary Chemitei, emphasized the need for collaboration among justice institutions, state agencies, and communities to ensure that children are treated with dignity and fairness under the law.

“We must hold together as one nation,” he said. “These NGOs supporting us must be appreciated for their work and commitment to the children of Kenya.”

Justice Chemitei urged government departments and partners to make simplified versions of the Children Act (2022) accessible to the public, saying many cases of abuse and neglect could be prevented through awareness and community education.

The judge reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to fast-tracking all child-related cases, especially those involving abuse and sexual offences, while ensuring victims and offenders are treated humanely.

Justice Teresia Matheka, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on the Administration of Justice for Children, echoed the call for urgent reforms to address systemic failures that continue to expose children to exploitation, neglect, and injustice.

“When we fail to safeguard children’s rights, we breach our oath and the Constitution,” Justice Matheka said, urging for the full application of the Children Act.

She cited persistent challenges such as delayed case processing, poor inter-agency coordination, and limited resources, noting that the committee will introduce stricter case management timelines to ensure children’s cases are resolved faster.

The 2025 Child Justice Month, which runs through November, will feature nationwide awareness campaigns, community dialogues, school sensitization programs, and capacity-building workshops for justice officers.

Stakeholders at the event reaffirmed their commitment to promoting restorative justice, preventing child-related offences, and enhancing collaboration in the handling of minors’ cases.