Child-rights advocates in Kiambu are urging courts to adopt firmer bond conditions for child-abuse suspects, warning that many victims are being exposed to renewed danger once offenders are released back into their communities.
Speaking during a children’s rights forum in Thika, legal experts and activists said a growing number of minors have reported threats or continued abuse from suspects out on bond, a trend they fear undermines justice and deters children from testifying.
Children’s rights campaigner Anne Mugetha said the Judiciary must strengthen protection mechanisms for victims, including secure shelters, anonymity procedures and quicker processing of cases to prevent re-victimization.
“Our courts should be firm when releasing suspects of child abuse on bond. There must be coordinated efforts between the Judiciary, county agencies, community organisations and parents to guarantee the safety of minors throughout the justice process,” Mugetha said.
Judicial officials at the forum confirmed that the Thika Law Courts have started fast-tracking children-related cases under a new law designed to protect minors and reduce delays. The legislation brings together the Judiciary, parents, schools, social services and community leaders to streamline how child-abuse cases are reported, investigated and concluded.
Court administrators noted that prioritizing these cases is intended to cut trauma and ensure children do not remain trapped in long, exhausting legal battles.
However, stakeholders stressed that judicial reforms must be supported by strong community-level interventions. They raised concerns over severe funding shortages in children’s homes and rescue centres across Kiambu, warning that many facilities are struggling to offer shelter, counselling or rehabilitation to affected minors.
Thika Business Community Chairman Alfred Wanyoike blamed the county government for failing to allocate adequate resources to rescue centres at a time when cases of child labour, neglect and abuse are on the rise.
“Institutional care cannot operate effectively without financial support. There is urgent need for budgetary action to prevent shelters from collapsing under increasing demand,” Wanyoike said.
