CJ Koome calls for action on child rights and femicide

Chief Justice Martha Koome does called for collaboration across the justice sector to enhance child justice reforms during the launch of National Child Justice Service Month at Kirigiti Rehabilitation School in Kiambu County.

Judge Koome called for a uniform approach aimed at supporting, rehabilitating and reintegrating children into society.

In her address, Chief Justice Koome urged various stakeholders including the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Department of Children Services (DCS) and the Probation Department to work closely with healthcare and psychosocial experts.

“The involvement of healthcare professionals, social workers and community partners is essential in this journey. I extend an open invitation to psychologists, therapists, social workers and counselors to join us in building a support network for children entering the justice system,” the CJ said.

Chief Justice Koome said offering screening, assessment and individualized guidance can create a foundation for rehabilitation that addresses each child’s unique challenges, fosters an environment of care and can create healing support.

As Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NCAJ), Chief Justice Koome also announced plans for a Pilot Court Annexed Psychosocial Support and Therapy initiative.

This initiative aims to establish guidelines for providing psychosocial support to court users and judicial officers.

“I therefore invite our partners to walk with us as we embark on this journey. For this, I would like to thank the Counselors and Psychologists across the country who have continuously volunteered to support Service Month, we owe you a debt of gratitude,” said Judge Koome.

She also expressed her gratitude to the many volunteer counselors and psychologists who contributed to the success of the month of service.

“As we work with the NCAJ to improve diversion frameworks, we can create an environment where children receive guidance and support within their communities, giving them the best opportunity to grow into responsible, positive members of society,” the statement said. chief justice.

Judge Koome emphasized that the justice system must prioritize diversionary strategies, which she described as acts of compassion.

She pointed out that these strategies are not just procedural measures; they align with constitutional mandates that emphasize that detention should be a last resort for children.

Judge Koome said with this year’s theme: “Enhancing Child Justice through Preliminary Investigation and Diversion: Promoting Rehabilitation, Reintegration and Dignity for Children in Conflict with the Law”, all are encouraged to embrace solutions that focus on the unique needs of each child. not as offenders, but as young people in need of understanding, compassion and guidance.

“As we commit to a month of awareness today, we are also committed to actions that will make child justice restorative rather than retributive. Preliminary investigation and diversion are practices that respect the specific circumstances of each child, giving them the opportunity to address the root causes of their conflict with the law,” she said.

The Chief Justice also added that the Constitution and the Children Act, 2022 enshrine the right of every child to care, protection and rehabilitation.

“Through the Judiciary’s Social Transformation through Access to Justice (STAJ) blueprint, we advocate for therapeutic jurisprudence, encouraging an approach where health, social services and the justice system work together for the holistic well-being of every child,” said CJ Koome.

The Chief Justice recognized Hon. Lady Justice Grace Nzioka of the Naivasha Law Courts, who showed extraordinary dedication by opening her court on a Sunday during the Monthamano period to review orders so that children could return home in time for school.

“This simple yet profound act reflects our core mission: that justice is a service, an obligation and a calling that transcends timelines and formalities. Thank you, Justice Nzioka, for reminding us of the humanity at the heart of our work,” the CJ said.

Her comments went beyond child justice and addressed the alarming increase in femicide in the country.

“Remarkably, the Deputy Inspector of Police of Kenya yesterday estimated this alarming number of femicide victims at 97 women killed in the last 90 days,” she said.

“To every Kenyan, I say this: we must break the silence, speak out and dismantle the systems that allow such heinous acts to continue unchecked. We must commit to creating communities where women and girls feel safe, valued and respected. Combating femicide requires not only legal intervention, but also societal transformation – an unwavering belief that no woman or girl should ever feel that her life is disposable,” Judge Koome said.

In her conclusion, Chief Justice Koome urged everyone to break the silence around violence against women and girls, calling for a societal transformation that prioritizes safety, respect and dignity for all individuals.

“We must commit to creating communities where women and girls feel safe, valued and respected. Combating femicide requires not only legal intervention, but also societal transformation – an unwavering belief that no woman or girl should ever feel that her life is disposable,” Judge Koome said.

Chief Justice Koome emphasized that combating femicide is not just a legal obligation, but a moral obligation for all members of society.