The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has intensified efforts to strengthen the justice system's response to crimes against children in Narok County. This includes addressing female genital mutilation (FGM) and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The two organizations have provided training to justice sector actors to handle cases involving children effectively.
The training brought together officials from various agencies, including the National Police Service, the Department of Children's Services, and the Probation and Aftercare Service. Representatives from the Narok County Government and civil society organizations also participated. The three-day workshop focused on handling child victims and children in conflict with the law, investigating offenses involving minors, and collecting evidence to support prosecutions.
Participants received education on children's rights, victim-centered approaches, and safeguards for vulnerable persons. The training emphasized providing age-appropriate and sensitive treatment to children in contact with the justice system. Linda Ndambiri, Head of the Children's Division at the ODPP, urged justice sector actors to exercise greater care when handling cases involving children. She emphasized that children's vulnerability requires a coordinated response at every stage of the justice process.
The workshop addressed emerging threats such as online child exploitation, grooming, and child trafficking. Harmful cultural and religious practices that expose children to violence and mistreatment were also discussed. Participants were encouraged to adapt justice responses to offenses committed through digital platforms, which have created new avenues for child exploitation.
Narok County Head of ODPP, Gitonga Murang'a, noted that the involvement of various institutions demonstrated a shared commitment to protecting children. He called for stronger collaboration among justice agencies and other stakeholders to prevent abuse and handle cases effectively. The 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) revealed that 51% of women aged 15-49 in Narok had undergone FGM, compared to 15% nationwide.
According to the 2022 KDHS, 17.5% of women aged 15-49 in Narok had experienced sexual violence, with 8.7% reporting it in the past year. The survey also found that 16% of women in Narok reported experiencing physical violence in the past 12 months. The data highlights the need for ongoing prevention and effective justice responses to address gender-based violence and harmful practices in Narok.
The training emphasized the importance of stronger multi-agency coordination across reporting, investigation, prosecution, court proceedings, rehabilitation, and reintegration. Participants were urged to keep the best interests of the child central throughout the justice process. The UNODC representative, Emmanuel Muraguri, mentioned that the training was conducted under the Programme for Legal Empowerment and Aid Delivery in Kenya Phase II (PLEAD II).
Key points
- The ODPP and UNODC have trained justice sector actors in Narok County to prevent, investigate, and prosecute crimes against children.
- The training focused on handling child victims and children in conflict with the law, investigating offenses involving minors, and collecting evidence to support prosecutions.
- The 2022 KDHS revealed high rates of FGM, sexual violence, and physical violence against women in Narok County, highlighting the need for ongoing prevention and effective justice responses.
