Naivasha’s children’s court in Kenya has reported a worrying increase in crimes involving minors, prompting urgent calls for action.
Principal Magistrate Juliana Ndeng’eri, who heads the court, revealed that juvenile crime cases have significantly risen compared to last year. Speaking during the Judiciary Children’s Month celebrations in November, Ms Ndeng’eri expressed concern over the growing trend.
“From last year to this year, we have noted a significant rise in criminal matters involving children. This is truly alarming,’ she said.
To tackle the issue, November has been designated as a special month to prioritise and expedite cases involving children to ensure timely justice.
Ms Ndeng’eri emphasised the importance of parental responsibility in protecting children, especially as tough economic times push some minors into labour, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.
Informal Settlements Identified as Crime Hotspots
The court identified informal settlements like Kihoto, Karagita, and KCC as areas where most juvenile crimes and child abuse cases, including defilement and neglect, occur. These areas also see youths exploiting minors for sexual favours.
Ms Ndeng’eri urged parents to remain vigilant during school holidays and called for more courts in Gilgil and Mai Mahiu to handle the increasing number of juvenile cases.
“People must also report issues affecting children to ensure that perpetrators face the full force of the law,” she said.
David Kuria, Director of the Nakuru Human Rights Network, attributed the rise in juvenile crime to poverty and broken families. He stressed the need for parents to closely monitor their children and called for more child protection units.
Non-governmental organisations are also stepping in. Sylvester Wafula, representing KNote, highlighted efforts such as forming children’s rights clubs in schools and organising community awareness initiatives.
However, he noted that reporting child abuse remains a challenge due to uncooperative parents and limited reporting channels.
Rising Crime Statistics
Recent statistics from Naivasha courts show a sharp rise in juvenile crime cases, with 220 recorded between June 2023 and July 2024 compared to 143 in the previous year. From July to November 2024, 112 new cases were filed.
Incidents include a 16-year-old boy and a 12-year-old accomplice recruited by a criminal for house break-ins and drug peddling. Another group of minors was caught attempting a supermarket robbery with a toy gun.
Community leaders, law enforcement, and the Judiciary are now working together to address these challenges and protect vulnerable children from falling into crime.
