Phenomenal rise in child trafficking in Homa Bay County has raised alarm among judicial officers, with authorities now moving to fast-track cases involving exploitation of minors.

Homa Bay Magistrate Court Head of Station Jacinta Orwa warned on Friday that the county is witnessing an increase in child trafficking incidents and pointed out that the criminal trend is particularly prevalent in Homa Bay and Rangwe sub-counties.

“We have noted a worrying rise in child trafficking cases. As judiciary, we are working closely with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, National Police Service and the Department of Children Services to ensure these matters are expedited and concluded promptly,” Orwa said.

She disclosed that between four and five serious cases of child trafficking are currently before the courts, with one already concluded and the perpetrator in jail after conviction.

“Sentences under the trafficking law are punitive and we are committed to ensuring justice for the affected children,” she promised.

Orwa spoke on Friday (today) during the launch of Children Justice Month in Homa Bay Law Courts, where she emphasised that the fight against child trafficking requires a multi-sectoral approach and urged stakeholders in the justice system to work together in protecting minors from exploitation and abuse.

Orwa highlighted that the judiciary’s goal is not merely conviction but the pursuit of substantive justice for both the victims and those in conflict with the law. She however, pointed out several challenges slowing down the administration of justice, including witness unavailability, as some suspects flee to neighbouring Uganda through Lake Victoria making it difficult to trace them and secure witness testimonies.

Poverty was also cited as a challenge that often leads to informal “kangaroo courts” or compromised witnesses.

“There are also instances where witnesses or parents are compromised or coerced into informal settlements, leading to case withdrawals under Section 40 of the Sexual Offences Act,” she stated.

Children Justice Month is an initiative of the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) that dedicates November to expediting cases involving children’s rights in all courts in Kenya.

The station head added that the Children Justice Month allows the judiciary to engage with the public and promote the protection of children’s rights. Lady Justice Teresa Odera of the Kisii High Court, on the other hand reiterated that this initiative was introduced to reduce case backlogs and ensure that minors access justice promptly by prioritizing cases.

“Before this initiative, children’s matters were not given priority and stalled for long periods, but under the leadership of Chief Justice Martha Koome, the judiciary has made children’s rights a national priority by making November a month dedicated to children’s justice,” she said.

Justice Odera, however, urged the government to increase funding allocation for the children’s department to support ongoing programmes and interventions, saying the current budget is insufficient to meet the growing needs.

She also called on the public to uphold children’s welfare, saying that every child deserves a safe environment, and securing justice for them is everyone’s duty.

Homa Bay County Children Services Coordinator Kirigwa Kennedy revealed that more than 9,000 children sought help due to gender-based violence in the last financial year and urged parents to practice responsible parenting and remain alert to their children’s whereabouts.

During the event, stakeholders present also highlighted the importance of men’s participation in childcare and mental health awareness, with speakers emphasising the role of family and community in preventing child abuse and exploitation.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Sitna Omar