ODPP Launches Guide to Child-Friendly Interviewing to Strengthen Protection of Children in the Justice System

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has officially launched the Guide to Child-Friendly Interviewing, a landmark manual designed to enhance the protection, dignity, and participation of children within the criminal justice system.

The tool marks a critical step towards institutionalizing a justice system that is responsive to the unique needs of minors.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Secretary of Prosecution Services, Mr. Alloys Kemo, reaffirmed the ODPP’s unwavering commitment to child-sensitive prosecution. He noted that children, whether appearing as victims, witnesses, or those in conflict with the law, require specialized care and protection during investigative and prosecutorial processes to prevent further trauma.

“This guide provides a structured, humane, and rights-based approach to interviewing children, ensuring that justice is not only done, but is done in a manner that protects the best interests of the child,” the DPP’s statement read. The DPP further emphasized that the guide will foster consistency and professionalism, equipping prosecutors and investigators with trauma-informed practices essential for handling child-related cases.

The launch was lauded by international partners, with Jessica Ryckman, the Executive Director of Lawyers Without Borders, describing the manual as a critical milestone in the advancement of child-friendly justice. She noted that the quality of justice outcomes is inextricably linked to how children are engaged, asserting that the guide will ensure interviews are conducted with the requisite empathy and respect for the rights of the child.

Supporting this sentiment, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Children Services in a statement read by her representative highlighted that the initiative aligns seamlessly with both national and international child protection frameworks. The PS noted that the guide reinforces the shared responsibility of all state actors to shield children from secondary victimization while strengthening inter-agency coordination.

The Director of the Witness Protection Agency (WPA), Jedida Waruhiu, further underscored the practical benefits of the guide, stating that when children feel safe and understood, they are more likely to provide accurate information. By promoting environments free from intimidation, the guide directly supports the mandate of ensuring witness safety and cooperation.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) also welcomed the resource, with its representative emphasizing the necessity of professional ethics and continuous training. The LSK noted that the guide serves as a timely tool for advocates and prosecutors alike to deliver justice that remains both lawful and compassionate.

Developed with the support of Lawyers Without Borders, the Guide to Child-Friendly Interviewing is set to be rolled out across the country through comprehensive capacity-building initiatives. These programs will target prosecutors, investigators, and child protection officers to ensure the effective implementation of a child-centered justice system in Kenya.