The president of the Supreme Court, Martha Koome, has called for collaboration among the justice sector to improve child justice reforms during the launch of the National Child Justice Service Month at Kirigiti Rehabilitation School in Kiambu County.

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

In her speech, Chief Justice Koome urged various stakeholders including the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) and the Probation Department to closely collaborate with psychosocial experts and of medical care.

“The participation of health 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 TJ said.

Chief Justice Koome said that by offering screenings, evaluations and individualized counseling, a foundation for rehabilitation can be created that addresses the unique challenges of each child, fostering a caring and supportive environment for healing.

As Chairman of the National Council for the Administration of Justice (NCAJ), Chief Justice Koome also announced plans for a psychosocial therapy and support initiative attached to the pilot court.

This initiative aims to establish guidelines to provide psychosocial support to court users and judicial officials.

“Therefore, I invite our partners to walk with us as we embark on this journey. For this I want to thank the counselors and psychologists across the country who have continually volunteered to support the Month of Service; We are indebted to you,” Judge Koome said.

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

“As we work with the NCAJ to improve diversion frameworks, we can build an environment where children receive guidance and support within their communities, allowing them the best opportunity to become responsible and positive members of society,” said the President of the Supreme Court.

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

He noted 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 that with this year’s theme, “Improving Child Justice through Preliminary Investigations and Diversion: Promoting the Rehabilitation, Reintegration and Dignity of Children in Conflict with the Law”, everyone is encouraged to adopt solutions that focus on the unique needs of each child. not as criminals but as young people in need of understanding, compassion and guidance.

“Today, as we commit to a month of awareness, we also commit to taking actions that will make child justice more restorative than retributive. “Preliminary investigation and diversion are practices that respect the specific circumstances of each child, giving them the opportunity to address the underlying causes of their conflict with the law,” he 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) plan, we advocate for therapeutic jurisprudence, encouraging an approach where healthcare, social services and the justice system work together for the overall well-being of each child,” said CJ Koome.

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

“This simple but profound act reflects our central 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 that is at the center of our work,” the justice said.

His comments went beyond child justice and addressed the alarming increase in feminicide in the country.

“In particular, the Deputy Inspector of the Kenya Police yesterday attributed this alarming number of femicide victims to 97 women murdered in the last 90 days,” he said.

“To all Kenyans 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. The fight against feminicide requires not only legal intervention but social 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 surrounding violence against women and girls, advocating for social transformation that prioritizes the safety, respect and dignity of all people. .

“We must commit to creating communities where women and girls feel safe, valued and respected. The fight against feminicide requires not only legal intervention but social transformation: an unwavering belief that no woman or girl should ever feel that her life is disposable,” Judge Koome said.

The President of the Supreme Court, Koome, highlighted that combating feminicide is not only a legal obligation but a moral duty for all members of society.