Chief Justice Martha Koome has called for collaboration among the justice sector to enhance child justice reforms during the launch of the National Child Justice Service Month at Kirigiti Rehabilitation School in Kiambu County.
Justice Koome called for a unified 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 collaborate closely with healthcare and psychosocial experts.
“The involvement of healthcare professionals, social workers, and community-based partners is essential in this journey. I extend an open invitation to psychologists, therapists, social workers, and counsellors to join us in building a supportive network for children who enter the justice system,” said the CJ.
Chief Justice Koome said by offering screening, assessment, and individualized counselling, a foundation for rehabilitation that addresses each child’s unique challenges, fostering an environment of care, and healing support can be created.
As the chairperson of the National Council on Administration of Justice (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 want to thank the Counsellors and psychologists across the country who have continuously volunteered to support Service Month, we are indebted to you,” said Justice Koome.
She also expressed gratitude to the many volunteer counsellors and psychologists who have contributed to the success of the service month.
“As we work with the NCAJ to enhance diversion frameworks, we can build an environment where children receive guidance and support within their communities, allowing them the best chance to grow into responsible, positive members of society,” said the Chief Justice.
Justice Koome stressed that the justice system must prioritize diversion strategies, which she framed as acts of compassion.
She pointed out that these strategies are not just procedural measures; they align with constitutional mandates emphasizing that detention should be a last resort for children.
Justice Koome said with this year’s theme, "Enhancing Child Justice through Preliminary Inquiry 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 every child, not as offenders but as young people in need of understanding, compassion, and guidance.
“Today, as we commit ourselves to a month of awareness, we also commit to actions that will make child justice more restorative than retributive. Preliminary inquiry and diversion are practices that respect each child’s specific circumstances, giving them a chance to address the underlying causes of their conflict with the law,” she said.
The Chief Justice also added that the Constitution and the Children Act, of 2022, enshrine every child’s right 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 healthcare, social services, and the justice system work together for the holistic well-being of each child,” said CJ Koome.
The Chief Justice acknowledged Hon. Lady Justice Grace Nzioka of Naivasha Law Courts, who exemplified extraordinary dedication by opening her court on a Sunday during the maandamano period to review orders so children could return home in time for school.
“This simple yet profound act reflects our core mission: that justice is a service, a commitment, and a calling that transcends schedules and formalities. Thank you, Justice Nzioka, for reminding us of the humanity at the heart of our work,” said the CJ.
Her remarks extended beyond child justice, addressing the alarming rise in femicide within the country.
“Notably, the Deputy Inspector of Police- Kenya Police yesterday put this alarming number of victims of femicide to 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 go unchecked. We must commit to creating communities where women and girls feel safe, valued, and respected. Combating femicide requires not just legal intervention but societal transformation—an unwavering belief that no woman or girl should ever feel her life is disposable,” said Justice Koome.
In her conclusion, Chief Justice Koome urged everyone to break the silence surrounding violence against women and girls, advocating 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 just legal intervention but societal transformation—an unwavering belief that no woman or girl should ever feel her life is disposable,” said Justice Koome.
Chief Justice Koome emphasized that combating femicide is not just a legal obligation but a moral duty for all members of society.