The scarcity of pro bono lawyers in the country has been identified as a significant impediment to children’s access to justice.
Florence Momanyi, a Commissioner at the National Council for Administration of Justice, voiced her concerns during a press interview at Kisii University in Kisii County at the launch of the Wakili Wa Watoto Club at the university campus School of Law.
Momanyi attributed the delayed delivery of justice for minors to insufficient pro bono lawyers, resulting in cases dragging on for more than six months.
She noted that these prolonged legal processes could extend beyond the children turning 18, thereby denying them timely justice.
Peter Shikuku, the Chief Executive Officer at The Lake Region Development Programme, said their collaboration with the university aims to leverage law students to reach grassroots communities and raise awareness about children’s rights.
Shikuku urged club members to advocate for children’s rights, which are often exploited and neglected in society.
Eunice Kilunda, the Child Protection and Advocacy Manager for Child Fund Kenya, tasked the Wakili Wa Watoto Club with the responsibility of educating the public about the Children’s Act 2022.
Joseph Mirieri, the Club’s Chairperson pledged that the club would establish an environment for minors joining the institution by educating them about and safeguarding their rights.
This marks the second chapter for the Wakili Wa Watoto Club, following the one launched earlier at Strathmore University.
The goal of the club is to unite law students interested in child matters to champion children’s rights.
By Jane Naitore
