Eldama Ravine: As the Child Justice Service Month enters its 11th day, Eldama Ravine Sub-county celebrated the occasion with a vibrant launch event at the Eldama Ravine Garden Square. Children officers, together with local children, took to the streets, chanting ‘Watoto wetu, jukumu letu; ndio ndio’ (Our children, our responsibility; yes, yes), drawing attention to the importance of child rights and justice.
According to Kenya News Agency, the event brought together key stakeholders, including the Judiciary, Dandelion Africa Organization, the Nyumba Kumi Initiative, police officers dealing with children issues, and the local area chief. Children actively participated in the event, learning about their roles, rights, and responsibilities while interacting with various officers and community leaders.
Charles Kuria Muthandi, the Sub-County Children’s Officer for Koibatek, led the commemoration alongside Senior Principal Magistrate Richard Koech. In his address, Kuria called on all child stakeholders to remain
vigilant and take responsibility in protecting children rights. He emphasized that ensuring the welfare of children is a shared social responsibility, urging everyone in the community to work together for the protection of children.
On his part, the Principal Magistrate highlighted the Judiciary’s focus on child justice during the month of November. Since the beginning of the month, the Judiciary has prioritized cases involving children, setting aside all other matters to concentrate on pending child-related cases. Koech emphasized that November provides a unique opportunity for the judicial system to address and resolve these cases, ensuring that justice for children is not delayed.
Normally, child-related cases in Kenya are addressed within six months, but November has been specifically designated to intensify efforts in resolving such cases. It is part of a national initiative aimed at improving the speed and quality of justice for children, reinforcing the commitment to protecting the rights and welfare
of young people across the country.
The event was a timely reminder of the importance of working together as a community to safeguard children’s rights and ensure they grow up in an environment that nurtures their well-being.