Chief Justice Martha Koome has said the Judiciary will set specific dates to hear cases involving children.
On Friday, CJ Koome received a progress report on ongoing reforms in child justice.
"Among areas of focus include decongesting remand homes, designating specific days to hear cases involving children and countrywide training for Judicial Officers on the Children Act," Koome said.
The report was tabled by the Chairperson of the National Council on the Administration of Justice Special Taskforce on Children Matters, Teresia Matheka and Child Justice Advisor in the Office of the Chief Justice, Juliet Gachanja.
"We are pursuing the full implementation of the Children Act 2022, to ensure courts operate in the best interest of children who are in conflict and contact with the law," Koome said.
Koome said one of the areas of focus is decongesting remand homes.
She said heads of stations will also be required to pay visits to institutions where children are held within their jurisdictions every month.
This, she said, is part of the Judiciary’s commitment to ensure the rights and welfare of children are fully protected.
In November 2021, Koome launched Children's Service Month under the theme 'A Justice System Fit for Children'.
She said the move is part of a commitment by the Judiciary and actors in the justice sector to improve responsiveness to children's matters.
Koome had asked both the national and county governments to put in place Child Protection Units in all police stations.
“This will ensure that children in conflict with the law or who are victims of crime access comprehensive care services including psychosocial support and legal aid,” she said.
