The Children’s Department has launched the annual Children’s Service Week at the Kapenguria Law Court, with a focus on enhancing the protection and welfare of children in the region.
The event, which is part of a nationwide initiative, brought together local authorities, child welfare organizations, and community leaders to discuss critical issues affecting children, such as child abuse, neglect, and access to education and healthcare.
In his remarks, the Principal Magistrate, In-charge of Kapenguria Children Court user’s committee Stella Telewa, emphasized the importance of a multi-sectoral approach to addressing children’s rights, noting that the justice system plays a key role in ensuring the safety and well-being of minors.
“As we launch this week, we renew our commitment to safeguarding the future of our children by providing them with a protective environment,” said the Magistrate.
Telewa said the event featured presentations on legal rights for children, the role of the judiciary in child protection, and the various services available to support vulnerable children in the area and a special focus will be given to the rise in cases of child neglect and exploitation, with calls for stronger community involvement in protecting young people.
She said Children’s Service Week aims to raise awareness on children’s issues while encouraging collaboration between the justice system, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations to improve the lives of children across the country.
She emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to ensure that children grow in safe, supportive environments hence calling on the community, local authorities, and other organizations to play active roles in safeguarding the well-being of children.
“The law is clear on the rights of children, but it requires a collective commitment to ensure these rights are respected and upheld. This week is a reminder of our collective responsibility to welfare, “the magistrate said.
Telewa also reiterated the need for swift legal proceedings in children’s cases, highlighting the long-term impact delays can have on young individuals.
“This week is an opportunity for the courts to expedite cases involving children and we are committed to working alongside the Children’s Department to ensure that children receive the justice they deserve without unnecessary delays,” the magistrate said.
On his part, the Director of Children’s, Philip Wapopa, emphasized the critical role of the Children’s Service Week in clearing the backlog of pending child-related cases in the courts, noting that there are numerous cases involving minors, including child neglect, abuse, custody battles, and child trafficking, which require urgent attention.
“Our primary goal this week is to clear all pending cases involving children in the court system,” Wapopa said.
He said the initiative will help ensure that no child is left waiting for justice, and that their voices are heard and their rights upheld, saying that every child deserves a fair and timely resolution to their case.
He said children’s Service Week will feature a range of activities aimed at sensitizing the public on child protection laws, offering legal aid to families, and providing resources for those affected by child-related issues.
A children’s officer from Catholic Diocese of Kitale Rose Obonyo, recognised the substantial efforts made to provide for the children’s needs, including food, shelter, education, and emotional support pledging to continue their support without wavering, emphasizing their unwavering dedication to the children’s future.
“We believe in the power of community to uplift these children and we have been walking with these children through their most difficult moments, and we promise to continue providing support, no matter the challenges,” maintained Obonyo.
Teresa Cheptoo from World Vision Kenya promised to help the most vulnerable children who are being forced to undergo FGM and early marriages, saying that these practices rob children of their futures promising to provide safe spaces, education, and legal protection to prevent them. No child should ever have to endure such trauma.
“We are deeply committed to supporting and rescuing children who are being forced into harmful practices like FGM and early marriages,” said Cheptoo.
Cheptoo emphasized the importance of collaboration between organizations, the government, and communities to combat these harmful practices.
She called on parents and local leaders to join hands in protecting young girls from FGM and early marriages, which often have devastating long-term consequences on their health, education, and well-being.
“World Vision will continue to be on the frontlines, working with communities to raise awareness, provide support, and ensure that children who are at risk are rescued and given a chance to live a life free from violence,” she added.
By Agneta Chebet and Anthony Melly
