Judiciary sets up digital footprints to track sex offenders
Kenya’s Chief Justice Martha Koome has launched a digitally automated sexual offenders’ registry that gives judicial officers and the greater public vital information about sexual offenders. This automated register is set to contain all the records of convicted sex offenders. Access to the registry will however be restricted.
Judicial officers will have unrestricted access, High Court advocates will have access in relevant criminal proceedings, probation officers, children officers, public prosecutors, police investigators and the prison.
More parties that will be granted access on the basis of approved applications indicating their reasons for interest in the information via the e-filing system will include other relevant agencies as well as individuals who can demonstrate a reasonable interest with the information.
Speaking at the launch the CJ said this automated registry will bring the Judiciary closer to its vision of a safe and secure society where justice and accountability reigns supreme.
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She also added: “By automating this register we will ensure that relevant authorities have easy access to information on convicted sex offenders thereby facilitating speedy justice. We are sending a clear message that our society will not tolerate those who prey on the vulnerable. We will hold them accountable and their actions will not go unnoticed or unpunished.”
The registry will act as a means of deterring, preventing and rehabilitating sex offenders, but will also provide a means of monitoring and supervising them once they’re released from prison. It will also give citizens information on sex offenders living in their communities so they can protect themselves and their children.
Deputy Chief Justice, Philomena Mwilu who was also present at the launch said that the limited access to justice especially for the ones who are in dire need of it was a big problem. She noted that gender based violence cases and sexual offenses are at catastrophic levels in our countries leaving young boys, girls and women scarred and our communities fractured.
Talking about the registry she went on to note “ I would like to remind those with twisted intentions , especially those who engage in the despicable act of abusing children, that once they apprehended and convicted, their names will forever be on the register of shame and the law will follow you wherever you go.”
