The Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, has called on prosecutors to adopt a trauma-informed and human rights–centred approach when handling defilement cases.
Speaking at the launch of the fifth cohort of the 160 Girls Training Programme in Machakos on Monday, he stressed that understanding trauma is critical to delivering justice with both compassion and integrity.
Ingonga’s message was conveyed by Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions and Head of the Hate Speech and Electoral Justice Division, Magdalene Ngalyuka. He noted that recognising the psychological effects of trauma on victims, especially minors, is essential for ensuring that justice processes are sensitive, fair, and effective.
“A trauma-informed approach is not about sympathy, it is about knowledge and awareness that help prosecutors make informed decisions and protect the dignity of victims,” he said.
The DPP added that traditional prosecution methods often fail to consider the emotional and psychological strain victims of defilement face. He urged prosecutors to balance legal rigor with humanity, ensuring that every case is handled with care, empathy, and full adherence to the Constitution and human rights principles.
The 160 Girls Training Programme, a partnership between the ODPP and The Equality Effect, aims to strengthen defilement prosecutions by equipping prosecutors with legal knowledge and insight into the lived realities of child survivors.
The DPP praised The Equality Effect and its Executive Director, Dr Fiona Sampson, for their continued collaboration through the programme, describing it as vital for building capacity within the prosecution service.
He said the initiative reflects a shared commitment to upholding children’s rights and promoting survivor-centred justice. According to The Equality Effect’s National Coordinator, Lula Wako, 158 prosecutors have participated in the training over the past four months.
Wako explained that the ODPP was chosen for the programme because of its central role in ensuring justice for victims of sexual and gender-based violence.
The training combines legal frameworks, trauma awareness, and practical tools that allow prosecutors to identify, respond to, and manage cases involving child victims more effectively.
Its curriculum aligns with national and international legal standards, ensuring Kenya’s prosecution service meets global best practices in handling sensitive offences.
During the event, Marsabit County Head of Prosecutions, Edwin Otieno, encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained, noting that such initiatives help bridge the gap between law and lived experience. He added that effective prosecution requires not only a thorough understanding of the law but also empathy for those affected by it.
The 160 Girls Project, which started as a legal and advocacy campaign, continues to play a pivotal role in improving the prosecution of defilement cases and protecting children’s rights nationwide.
Its partnership with the ODPP has provided ongoing professional development, reshaping how prosecutors approach cases involving vulnerable victims.
The DPP reaffirmed his commitment to reforms that enhance the quality of prosecutions in Kenya, noting that justice delivery must evolve to reflect the realities of victims.
He said empowering prosecutors with trauma-informed knowledge ensures that justice is not only administered but also experienced by those it is meant to serve.
By advocating for compassion and awareness in prosecution, Ingonga emphasized the importance of building a justice system that is efficient, fair, and humane.
The ODPP remains focused on advancing prosecutorial excellence while safeguarding the dignity and well-being of every Kenyan, particularly children and survivors of violence. The Machakos event marked another milestone in Kenya’s efforts to create a trauma-aware, survivor-centred prosecution service, highlighting that justice must be guided by both law and empathy.