September 14, 2024

Revolutionizing Child Justice in Kenya: How CJIMS is Shattering Barriers and Transforming Lives

The Child Justice Information Management System (CJIMS), also referred to as Juvenile Justice Information Management System (JJIMS), is a cutting-edge digital platform developed to streamline child justice processes in Kenya. Created by the African Institute for Children Studies (AICS) between 2019 and 2021, CJIMS addresses critical issues in the justice system, including fragmented data and inefficient coordination among the six key agencies responsible for child justice: the Kenya Police Service, Directorate for Children Services, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Judiciary, Probation and Aftercare Services, and Kenya Prisons. CJIMS ensures that digital data collection starts at the community level through local offices, including police stations and chiefs’ offices. The data is then escalated to judicial and legal agencies, facilitating comprehensive case management for children. The system enhances decision-making, resource allocation, and real-time monitoring, addressing the previously disjointed paper-based record systems that impeded effective child justice delivery. The system is operational across 124 court stations in Kenya’s 47 counties, improving information sharing and coordination among the agencies involved. By leveraging existing infrastructure such as computers and internet access in police stations and statutory institutions, CJIMS minimizes implementation costs while enhancing efficiency. The system can also function offline, allowing remote areas with limited internet connectivity to enter data, which is uploaded when the connection is restored. The pilot phase (2019-2021) of CJIMS underscored its importance, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when paper-based systems were insufficient. CJIMS aligns with Kenya’s broader national digitization policy and supports the modernization of public services. The project has received backing from the National Council for the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) and international partners, including GIZ, USAID, and UNICEF. For further details, access the National Strategy on Justice for Children 2023-2028 here. https://www.ncaj.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/download-manager-files/FINAL-NATIONAL-STRATEGY-ON-JUSTICE-FOR-CHILDREN-21st-feb-2024.pdf For the 2019 Status Report on Children in the Justice System, click here. https://www.ncaj.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/NCAJ-Report-Digital-Version.pdf With the strong backing of the Kenyan government and continued support from international and local partners, CJIMS is positioned to revolutionize child justice in Kenya. Watch the feedback from users during the pilot phase at Makadara Law Courts:

Revolutionizing Child Justice in Kenya: How CJIMS is Shattering Barriers and Transforming Lives Read More »

Preventing Teen Substance Use in Kenya: Why “Keepin’ it REAL” is the Answer

Evidence / AICS

The alarming rise in drug and alcohol use among Kenyan adolescents calls for immediate action. Fortunately, there is a proven solution: “Keepin’ it REAL” (kiR), an evidence-based behavioral intervention that has been successfully used to prevent and delay substance use among teens aged 12-14. A study jointly conducted by the African Institute for Children Studies (AICS) and the Global Center for Applied Health Research at Arizona State University has shown that this program holds great promise for Kenyan schools. The study, conducted in two Nairobi secondary schools with 348 students, demonstrated that “Keepin’ it REAL” not only engages students but also equips them with the tools to resist peer pressure and make informed choices about substance use. The program is delivered by trained teachers, and its content is culturally adapted to fit the Kenyan context. It focuses on real-life scenarios that teach students how to effectively resist drugs and alcohol through decision-making skills. Both students and teachers found the program highly feasible, acceptable, and effective. Students actively participated in the lessons and reported that the content was engaging, relevant, and applicable to their lives. Teachers noted that while there were minor technical issues, the program was well-received and addressed the growing problem of youth substance use effectively. The results of this study indicate that with a few adjustments, “Keepin’ it REAL” could be successfully scaled across Kenyan schools, providing a much-needed defense against substance use. By supporting programs like this, we can give our youth the skills and knowledge they need to lead healthy, substance-free lives. Now is the time to adopt “Keepin’ it REAL” in schools across Kenya. The evidence is clear: it works. Let’s ensure a brighter future for our children by taking action today. Access the full publication here https://ajada.nacada.go.ke/index.php/ajada/article/view/60 and https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36799673/ doi: 10.15288/jsad.21-00435.

Preventing Teen Substance Use in Kenya: Why “Keepin’ it REAL” is the Answer Read More »

Benjamin’s Scholar-Leader Project – From a Tree to a Thriving School: How One Maasai Youth is Transforming Education in His Community

Evidence / AICS

Benjamin, a 24-year-old from Olgululunui in Kajiado South Sub-county near the Kenya-Tanzania border, is a remarkable young leader inspired by the African Institute for Children Studies (AICS) Scholar-Leader Program. In 2020, he identified a critical challenge in his Maasai community: children had to walk over 15 kilometers to reach the nearest school. This distance, coupled with the proximity to Amboseli National Park and the presence of wildlife, made access to education difficult and dangerous. Motivated by his desire to help, Benjamin started a makeshift school under a tree with just 11 students. By 2024, his initiative had grown into a thriving institution with over 100 students learning in five classrooms made of corrugated iron sheets. His determination and the community’s support turned his vision into a reality. Despite the success, Benjamin now faces new challenges. He is appealing to funders for help to start a school feeding program, hire more teachers, and provide books and pens for the students. His story is a testament to the power of youth-led initiatives and how, with support, young leaders like Benjamin can create lasting, meaningful change in their communities. Click on video to learn more about Benjamin’s impact story and evidence that young people can be trusted as today’s leaders

Benjamin’s Scholar-Leader Project – From a Tree to a Thriving School: How One Maasai Youth is Transforming Education in His Community Read More »

September 14, 2024

Revolutionizing Child Justice in Kenya: How CJIMS is Shattering Barriers and Transforming Lives

Preventing Teen Substance Use in Kenya: Why “Keepin’ it REAL” is the Answer

Benjamin’s Scholar-Leader Project – From a Tree to a Thriving School: How One Maasai Youth is Transforming Education in His Community

OUR PARTNERS

Address, USA

Get in Touch

Social Media