The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has taken a major step forward in safeguarding the rights and welfare of children in Kenya’s justice system by validating the Guide to Child-Friendly Interviewing in Kenya.

The guide offers a clear, structured approach to how prosecutors and other justice actors should interact with child victims and witnesses, emphasizing protection, empathy, and professionalism throughout the legal process.

The internal validation comes at a time when the country continues to implement the Children Act, 2022, a landmark statute that elevated the voice of the child and introduced stronger legal protections for minors.

The new guide is aligned with this progressive law and reflects ODPP’s commitment to ensuring that the pursuit of justice does not further traumatize child victims.

In his remarks read by Robert Oyiembo, Deputy Head of the Conventional and Related Crimes Department, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Ingonga, underscored the delicate balance prosecutors must maintain when handling cases involving children.

“Children are among the most vulnerable members of our society,” he said, “As prosecutors, we are entrusted with the dual responsibility of delivering justice and doing no further harm. This guide helps us meet that responsibility with both empathy and professionalism.”

The DPP extended his appreciation to Lawyers Without Borders, whose collaboration with the ODPP was instrumental in developing the guide. He noted that meaningful partnerships remain central to advancing child protection within the justice sector.