NAIROBI, Kenya — The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has officially validated a new Guide to Child-Friendly Interviewing, a milestone aimed at transforming how children are treated within Kenya’s justice system.
The guide introduces a trauma-informed, structured approach for prosecutors and legal practitioners when engaging with children involved in legal proceedings—either as victims or witnesses.
It places a strong emphasis on empathy, dignity, and emotional safeguarding, in line with international best practices.
Speaking during the validation event, remarks from Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga—delivered by Deputy Director Robert Oyiembo—underscored the urgent need for reform.
“Children are among the most vulnerable members of our society,” said Ingonga. “As prosecutors, we must deliver justice without causing further harm. This guide enables us to meet that responsibility with both empathy and professionalism.”
The launch follows the implementation of Kenya’s Children Act, 2022, which strengthened legal protections for minors and mandated more child-centric approaches in legal proceedings.
A Shift Toward Compassionate Justice
Ingonga acknowledged that traditional courtroom procedures can often retraumatize child victims, urging a paradigm shift in how the justice system engages with them.
“Every child case we handle is not just paperwork. It is our humanity, our empathy, and our commitment that determine whether that child walks away with fear or with hope,” he said.
The ODPP’s new guide outlines a four-stage framework for engaging with children—preparation, interview conduct, use of technology, and post-interview procedures.
Key Features of the Guide
- Pre-Interview Preparation: Legal professionals are advised to assess a child’s emotional state, communication style, cultural background, and vulnerabilities to tailor the process appropriately.
- Interview Conduct: Interviewers are encouraged to use simple, neutral language and avoid leading questions, ensuring the child narrates events in a safe and non-threatening setting.
- Use of Technology: The guide promotes video-recorded interviews to prevent children from reliving trauma during multiple court appearances, while maintaining the integrity of their testimony.
- Post-Interview Procedures: Emphasis is placed on securely storing evidence, maintaining professional communication with guardians, and protecting the child’s privacy.
A Step Toward Systemic Change
Inspector General Douglas Kanja, in earlier remarks on similar reforms, noted the importance of integrating child-sensitive practices into broader justice policies and institutions.
Ingonga echoed the sentiment, calling on all justice sector actors to embrace trauma-informed training and embed child protection in legal procedures, particularly in cases involving abuse, trafficking, and domestic violence.
The guide also complements ongoing efforts by the ODPP to promote victim-centered justice and protect the rights of minors in conflict with the law.
As Kenya strengthens its justice system through legal reforms and public education, the new guide signals the country’s evolving commitment to protecting vulnerable populations—especially children—within judicial processes.
“This is more than just a manual. It is a call to act with humanity when children need us most,” Ingonga said.
