Kapenguria: Kapenguria Law Courts has launched the Children Service Month at Chepkoech Primary School in Kipkomo Sub-County, urging the government and partners to increase funding to ensure child-friendly justice systems. The launch was led by High Court judge Lady Justice Roseline Wendoh, Principal Magistrate Stella Telewa, and other stakeholders in children's justice.
According to Kenya News Agency, the initiative, themed 'Enhancing Child Justice through Preliminary Inquiry and Diversion: Promoting Rehabilitation, Reintegration, and Dignity for Children in Conflict with the Law,' will run through November. It aims to expedite children's cases and increase public awareness of child rights. Principal Magistrate Stella Telewa confirmed that the court is working closely with stakeholders handling children's matters in West Pokot County and emphasized the judiciary's commitment to resolving children's cases within the recommended six-month period to prevent negative impacts from delays.
Telewa reported that there are currently 77 active children's cases at Kapenguria Law Courts, with several concluded since the start of the service month. She urged parents to engage more with their children during the long holiday to prevent exposure to risky behaviors and encouraged support for CBC's practical activities at home and involvement in sports and church programs.
Justice Roseline Wendoh highlighted that many courts in Kenya lack child-friendly facilities, noting that the equipping of a designated children's courtroom at Kapenguria is incomplete due to funding issues. She called for increased government budget allocations to reduce reliance on donor support.
County Director of Children's Services Philip Wapopa revealed that out of the 77 children's cases, 40 involve sexual offenses. He linked the high number of defilement cases to rising early pregnancies and warned about the spike in FGM cases during the November-December holidays. Wapopa called for community support and more resources for children's services and justice actors.
Caroline Menach, principal of St Elizabeth Girls and director of Perur Rays of Hope Organisation, lauded the service month for raising awareness of children's rights and educating communities about children's courts. She emphasized the importance of local shelters like St Elizabeth' Shelter, which provide refuge and support for girls escaping FGM or sexual violence. Menach advocated for multi-agency collaboration and increased budget allocation for child protection systems.
Kipkomo Deputy County Commissioner Sheila Imbanga cautioned parents to be vigilant during the long holiday, noting the risks of teenage pregnancies, early marriages, and defilement. She warned perpetrators of firm government action, particularly those relocating girls post-FGM to hide the crime.
West Pokot advocate Geoffrey Lowasikou stressed the need for legal representation for children in conflict with the law and supported diversion programs focusing on rehabilitation. He criticized parents who conceal crimes involving their children, warning they could face charges for obstruction of justice or child neglect. Lowasikou also called for increased judiciary funding to enhance outreach and child justice programs.
Stakeholders across judiciary, children's services, probation, prosecution, police, and public benefit organizations agreed that funding insufficiencies and limited mobility hinder child protection efforts in West Pokot County. They collectively urged the government and development partners to increase budget allocations to support the protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration of children in need.