The government will bail out children who are being held over bonds of between Sh1,000 and Sh5,000, Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji has said.
Speaking at Kamiti Prison during the commemoration of the Day of the African Child, Haji said the government will also review higher bonds so they are able to pay them.
“My office is instrumental in ensuring access to justice for every child in conflict or in contact with the law including victims of crime,” he said.
Haji said his office will visit the Kamiti Youth Training Centre next week to ensure remand procedures are completed.
“Children in conflict or in contact with the law especially those housed in remand homes and rehabilitation centres have faced serious challenges in accessing our justice system,” the DPP said.
“This is especially challenging as prisoners are at a higher risk of contracting the coronavirus due to congestion in the facilities.”
The centre currently houses 103 children and youth between the ages of 14 and 21.
Ninety of them are in remand whereas 13 are undergoing rehabilitation from Makadara, Milimani, Kiambu, Naivasha, Ngong, Githunguri, Kikuyu and Kithimani.
Haji said he had directed his officers to review all pending cases before the court to decongest the institution.
“Alternatives to trial such as diversion and plea bargaining will also be used for petty offenses in a bid to reduce the number of children in the system,” he said.
He however warned the children against re-offending after being released.
The DPP donated computers, a television screen, desktop webcams, two microphones, uninterruptible power supply and one internet router with bundles.
He stated these items will enhance access to justice for the children in remand.
“Kenya Red Cross Society will also provide a group of counsellors to offer group and individual counseling sessions,” Haji said.
Speaking at a separate event in Nairobi, Labour and Social Protection CS Simon Chelugui said there are currently 992 children in institutions after others were released to reduce chances of Covid-19 infections and transmissions.
The CS revealed that the government is working to develop home-based care approaches which are better than street or institutional-based care.
"There are five children centres, 14 remand centres, nine rehabilitation facilities and two reception centres for children in conflict with the law," the CS said.
Edited by Henry Makori
