Kabarak University School of Law hosted a meeting on 13 October 2026 between the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) Standing Committee on the Administration of Justice for Children and Praesidio Safeguarding to explore partnership opportunities to strengthen child protection and access to justice in Kenya.
The meeting brought together Hon Lady Justice Teresia Matheka, Chairperson of the Standing Committee; Ms Helen King, Founder and Director of Praesidio Safeguarding; and Mr Daniel Mulati, Regional Prevention and Advocacy Manager at Praesidio Safeguarding. Kabarak University was represented by Ms Juliet Gachanja, Lecturer at the School of Law and member of the Standing Committee; Mr Kadima Cedric, Acting Head of the Department of Private Law; Mr Sam Ngure, Editor-in-Chief of the Kabarak Journal of Law and Ethics; and Hon Beja Beja, Deputy Registrar of the High Court of Kenya, serving the Kabarnet and Eldama Ravine stations.
The discussions focused on identifying practical areas of collaboration through research, training, capacity building, and public awareness towards enforcing the rights of children. The Standing Committee shared its experience in coordinating child justice interventions, developing policy guidelines, and strengthening collaboration among institutions responsible for the administration of justice for children. The discussions underscored the need to translate policy commitments into practical interventions that respond to the challenges children face when seeking protection and justice.
Praesidio Safeguarding shared its expertise in child safeguarding and the prevention of online harm, including online child sexual exploitation and abuse. Praesidio stated that one of the tools they have developed is the Smart Klick website, a child-centred online safety platform created to help children, caregivers and teachers to navigate the digital world with greater confidence, knowledge, and support. The organisation confirmed its partnership with the Committee, Kabarak University and local partners to strengthen the capacity of justice sector actors and improve safeguarding responses.
The meeting identified several areas for collaboration. These include sharing the status report on children in Kenya’s justice sector to inform research and programme development; exploring joint training for justice actors on identification, prosecution, investigation, and adjudication of online offences against children; and assessing the feasibility of piloting child-friendly spaces in courts. The team also explored opportunities to train teachers and designated safeguarding leads through collaboration with the Child Protection Advocacy Network, as well as possible support for counsellors who volunteer during Child Justice Service Month.
The Wakili Watoto programme, which Kabarak Law students run a chapter of, was identified as a platform for sensitising children on their rights and available reporting mechanisms. Research, knowledge sharing and dissemination were also recognised as important avenues for documenting challenges, sharing good practices and informing evidence-based interventions.
The meeting established a basis for continued engagement, with the proposed initiatives requiring further discussion on implementation, responsibilities and available resources. The engagement reflects a shared commitment to advancing child-centred justice and strengthening the protection of children in Kenya.
The meeting concluded with an engagement and mentorship session during which Ms Helen, Mr Mulati, Ms Gachanja and Hon Justice Lady Justice Matheka interacted with Kabarak University School of Law students, including members of the Wakili wa Watoto Chapter. The session provided an opportunity for the students to engage directly with practitioners, gain insights into child justice and safeguarding, and appreciate the role they can play in advancing the protection of children and access to justice.
