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: