The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), through the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Division, has trained 158 prosecutors across the country in a specialized approach to prosecuting defilement cases in Kenya.
Delivering a speech on behalf of the DPP during the opening of cohort 7 training, Magdalene Ngalyuka noted that the programme will help prosecutors to handle defilement cases with a trauma-informed, human rights-centred approach and ensure that every defilement case is handled with compassion and unwavering integrity.
Ngalyuka emphasized that the training strengthens the capacity of prosecutors to appreciate the realities of child victims while applying the law with precision, empathy, and integrity.
“This training empowers our prosecutors to handle defilement cases through a trauma-informed, human rights-centred approach. Every child deserves justice delivered with compassion and unwavering integrity,” she said.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions extended its heartfelt gratitude to The Equity Effect, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Fiona Sampson, for its steadfast partnership in advancing the 160 Girls Project, a transformative initiative strengthening the justice system’s response to defilement.
A four-day programme will see the prosecutors engage in intensive sessions covering the context of prosecuting defilement in Kenya, Understanding defilement and associated knowledge gaps, Legal frameworks and normative standards, Trauma-informed prosecution approaches and application of trauma-informed evidence in court.
The Equity Effect coordinator, Kula Wako, lauded the collaboration, noting that the specialized model will greatly enhance prosecutorial skills and improve outcomes in defilement cases.
“A successful prosecution sends a strong message that there is an effective system protecting the rights of children. This model strengthens deterrence and reinforces accountability,” she said.
Wako also appreciated the ODPP team for their unwavering support and endorsement of the 160 Girls Defilement Prosecution Curriculum.
