DPP to support Kibera court to fasten children-related cases

The Director of Public Prosecution Nordin Haji has promised to support the Kibera court with the required technology that will help fast-struck children-related cases.

The DPP said this will help children testify through video links without seeing the accusers.

The DPP said technology was key in reducing victimisation.

He spoke on Wednesday during the inspection of the child-friendly interview room.

It aims to assist to prepare children before the trial.

“We are here to inspect these rooms and also share with Somalia some of the best practices that we have. We have special rooms that separate children from adults so that they can have an environment that enables them to testify effectively,” Haji said.

He said that the rooms have been opened in various courts.

“When children are psychologically affected it's good to make sure that they get a good environment to testify in some of the cases that they are involved in,” he said.

Nairobi region head of DPP Joseph Riungu said technology was key in the issue of justice transformation among children.

“We have such offices in Makadara, Mombasa and Kiambu, the main objective is to make sure that our children testify without suffering from victimisation among other psychologically related stress,” he said.

Head of Kibera court station Jonah Meroka said the room had already handled 17 children-related cases and they ended up effectively.

“The DPP has promised us that we shall get camera lapel microphones, soft drinks and all the materials that children need for them to be peaceful as the trial continues,” he said.

Meroka said the magistrate can also do the trials involving the minors in the said rooms.