Stakeholders call for Stronger Multi-Agency Collaboration and Increased Funding to Protect Children

The Chairperson of the Standing Committee on the Administration of Justice for Children, Justice Teresia Matheka, has called for urgent reforms and enhanced coordination across all child protection agencies to address systemic failures that continue to expose Kenyan children to abuse, neglect, and injustice.

Speaking during the official launch of the Annual Child Justice Service Month 2025, themed “Securing Justice for Every Child: Enhancing Multi-Agency Collaboration and Increasing Budgetary Allocation to Combat Child Abuse,” Justice Matheka underscored the need to translate commitments into tangible institutional action.

“This theme must not remain aspirational — it must become our operational reality,” she stated. “When we fail to apply the law and safeguard the rights of children, we breach our oath and the Constitution,” said Justice Matheka.

Justice Matheka cited Section 22 of the Children Act, 2022, which mandates that any person who appears to be a child must be presumed to be one unless proven otherwise. She noted that the continued disregard of this legal safeguard has led to children being criminalized and processed through the adult justice system — a grave violation of their rights.

Highlighting widespread challenges such as delayed cases, poor coordination, and limited resources, Justice Matheka announced several key measures to strengthen the child justice system:

Enhanced Case Management: The Committee will implement strict timelines to ensure children’s cases are heard expeditiously, minimizing trauma and restoring trust in the justice system.

Quarterly Multi-Agency Coordination Meetings: Regular forums at both national and county levels will bring together the Judiciary, National Police Service, ODPP, Department of Children Services, National Legal Aid Service, and civil society to address systemic gaps.

Advocacy for Increased Budgetary Allocation: The Committee will lobby the National and County Treasuries to prioritize funding for child protection services, including infrastructure, staffing, and digital systems for case tracking.

Justice Matheka also issued a strong call to judicial officers, prosecutors, and police officers to faithfully apply child protection laws and uphold their constitutional duties.

“Determining age does not require sophisticated equipment — it requires vigilance and a commitment to protecting children,” she emphasized.

The Chairperson further urged stakeholders to focus on rehabilitation and reintegration, not punishment, emphasizing that justice for children must include education, psychosocial support, and community reintegration programs.

“Securing justice for every child is not just a legal obligation; it is a moral imperative and a test of our humanity,” she concluded.

Permanent Secretary for the State Department for Children Welfare Services Carren Agengó who graced the occasion commended the NCAJ and the Standing committee for organising the launch and for showing unwavering support for access to justice for children in the country.