- Child rights advocates say prolonged court delays are worsening trauma for survivors of sexual violence in Kisii County.
- Families face repeated court appearances, missed school days and mounting financial burdens as cases drag on.
- Stakeholders are calling for faster investigations, stronger coordination and improved child protection services.
For many child survivors of sexual violence, the greatest challenge is not only surviving the abuse but also enduring a lengthy justice process.
Across Kisii County, delayed hearings in child sexual offence cases are taking a heavy emotional, educational and financial toll on survivors and their families.
Every adjournment means another missed school day, additional transport costs and renewed emotional trauma as children are repeatedly required to relive painful experiences.
A 2026 report by Midrift Hurinet and Childright shows that while some counties conclude child sexual exploitation cases within six months, similar cases in Kisii often remain in court for between two and three years.
CECOME Executive Director Stella Achoki said the prolonged delays have devastating consequences for children.
“Children continue seeing the alleged offenders within their communities. Delays affect their education because they miss school to attend court proceedings and are exposed to stigma from other learners,” she said.
Achoki added that the lengthy court process places significant emotional and financial pressure on families.
“Many parents become discouraged because of transport costs, medical expenses and repeated court appearances. Some eventually opt for out-of-court settlements,” she said.
Delays undermine justice
Advocate Anita Nduhukire attributed many of the delays to missing police files, absent witnesses and advocates who fail to attend court proceedings.
“Sometimes a file cannot be traced, or an investigating officer has been transferred. Every delay pushes the case further into the future,” she said.
Masaba South Children’s Officer Joseph Maticha warned that prolonged delays can also weaken children’s testimony.
“Children may forget the exact sequence of events. Defence lawyers can exploit those inconsistencies, making it harder for courts to administer justice,” he said.
He urged authorities to involve Children’s Officers immediately after cases are reported so that children’s evidence can be recorded at the earliest opportunity.
Calls for stronger coordination
Kisii Divisional Criminal Investigations Officer (DCIO) Jacob Kola said investigators are expected to complete investigations promptly, although some cases are deliberately frustrated after officers are compromised.
“Once investigations are complete, files should proceed without unnecessary delays. Cases should not drag if evidence is properly gathered,” he said.
Kisii Woman Representative Dorice Aburi called for greater public awareness to encourage reporting of child sexual offences.
“Many cases are never reported because the offender is a relative or the family’s breadwinner. We must encourage victims to report offences and ensure they receive justice,” she said.
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Stakeholders are now calling for additional rescue centres, the operationalisation of the Kisii Gender-Based Violence Recovery Centre and stronger coordination among police, prosecutors, the Judiciary and child protection agencies to ensure child survivors receive timely justice.
By Our Reporter
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