Kirinyaga court users propose protection centers for minors

The signage of Kerugoya Law Courts in Kirinyaga County. [Courtesy]

Court user's committees in Kirinyaga have proposed a protection center for minors be set up at the Kerugoya police station.

During a meeting held last week, stakeholders gave proposals for having a protection center for children for those in trouble with the law.

Kerugoya OCS Stephen Ekirapa said the hardest task for him is accommodating minors remanded at the station.

"As the officer commanding station it is difficult when a police officer comes to inform me that there has been a minor remanded in my station and the judge has categorically stated that the minor shouldn't mix with adults; if a protection center is available such issues will be a thing of the past, "said Ekirapa.

Law Society of Kenya chairman Kirinyaga chapter Ngigi Gichoya said establishing such a center will protect minors from molesters and abusers.

He also said children's matters have not been well handled by the community and more information is needed on how to handle minors.

"We want to reduce cases of molestation of minors by putting up a protection center, as the law society of Kenya, we join hands with the police in this," said Ngigi.

He said despite offering pro-bono services to children matters there's need for alternative ways of solving cases.

"There is no case that is hard to solve, even civil matters should have mediation, the cases are many and take years to be determined," Ngigi added.