High Court 672 of 2026

viii. Costs be in the cause. The Applicant 2. The Applicant is a female adult of Kenyan nationality, Identity Card Number 93xxxx65. She was 60 years old at the time of filing this Application. The Applicant resides in Lavington, Nairobi County. She is single and has no biological children. The Applicant desires to have children, hence this adoption Application. The Applicant is the 5th born in a family of 6 siblings. Despite the demise of 3 siblings and the residence of two abroad, the social inquiry report by the Director of Children Services (DCS) confirms that the Applicant maintains a robust familial support system, with her siblings expressing support for this adoption. 3. The Applicant is a seasoned businesswoman in the real estate sector. Her professional trajectory is distinguished; she holds qualifications in Fashion and Merchandising from Evelyn College of Design and The American College in London, followed by studies in Fashion and Marketing in Atlanta, USA, and a postgraduate Diploma in Business Management from the London School of Management. 4. The financial evidence tendered includes Bank Statements and property ownership documents. Specifically, the Applicant owns 45 acres of land in Nanyuki and recently disposed of 5 acres in Kitengela, indicating substantial asset liquidity. Her income is steady, derived from her real estate ventures, which the DCS Report affirms is sufficient to cater for the child’s needs, including high-cost education at [Particulars Withheld] Primary School. 5. The Applicant underwent a medical examination, in which she was given a clean bill of health. A Police Clearance Certificate dated 20 January 2025 confirms that the Applicant has no criminal record, satisfying the moral suitability requirement under the Children Act. The Child 6. The child is a female estimated to have been born on 16 February 2014. Her history is a poignant narrative of abandonment followed by state intervention. 7. On 16 February 2017, the child was found abandoned in Westlands, Nairobi County. She was rescued by a Good Samaritan and taken to Parklands Police Station, where the incident was recorded vide OB Number xx/xx/xx/2017. At the time of rescue, she was estimated to be approximately 3 years old. 8. The Police, in conjunction with the Children’s Department, made diligent efiorts to trace the child’s biological parents. These efiorts were fruitless. The child was committed to Nairobi Children’s Rescue Centre and later to Mogra Rescue Centre for care and protection. The Parklands Police Station issued a final letter on 7 August 2022, confirming that no person had claimed the child in the 5 years following her abandonment. 9. Pursuant to statutory requirements, the KKPI Adoption Society convened a case committee meeting. On 28 February 2024, the Committee declared the child free for adoption, issuing Certificate No. 0xx8. This declaration was based on the conclusive finding that the child was abandoned and that no biological family could be traced, thereby rendering her eligible for adoption under section 185 of the Children Act. 10. The child was placed under the care and control of the Applicant on 29 September 2024. This placement marked the commencement of the statutory bonding period. By the time of the hearing in October 2025, the child had been in the continuous care of the Applicant for one year, far exceeding the mandatory 3-month period prescribed in law. https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/kehc/2026/672/eng@2026-01-30 2

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11. The evidence presented by the DCS and the Guardian ad litem indicates that a profound parentchild has developed. The child refers to the Applicant as ‘mom’ and has integrated seamlessly into the household, which includes another child being adopted by the Applicant. The child attends [Particulars Withheld] School, is in Grade 5 and participates in extra curricular activities at Parklands Sports Club. The Adoption Application 12. I have considered the Summons, the evidence on record, as well as the various reports filed. 13. The duty of this Court is to analyse the material before it to determine whether the Applicant is a suitable adoptive parent. The Applicant stated that she is a committed Christian and intends to raise the child in a Christian development to ensure full spiritual development. 14. Additionally, pursuant to section 186 of the Children Act, the Applicant provided letter of consent from AT agreeing to be appointed as the legal guardian of the child in the event that anything untoward happens to the Applicant. The proposed legal guardian is a long-term friend to the Applicant. The proposed legal guardian confirmed that she completely understands her role and what is expected of her. 15. From the material availed, I am satisfied that the Applicant is a suitable adoptive parent. Analysis and Determination 16. Article 14(4) of the Constitution provides that a child found in Kenya who is, or appears to be, less than eight years of age, and whose nationality and parents are not known, is presumed to be a citizen by birth. The child herein was found abandoned in Nairobi County just about 3 years after birth. The child is, therefore, a citizen of Kenya by birth. 17. In deciding any matter involving a child, the Court is obligated to give priority to the best interests of the child. Section 8 of the Children Act provides: 1. 2. 18. In all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies– a. The best interests of the child shall be the primary consideration; b. The best interests of the child shall include, but shall not be limited to the considerations set out in the First Schedule; All judicial and administrative institutions, and all persons acting in the name of such institutions, when exercising any powers conferred under this Act or any other written law, shall treat the interests of the child as the first and paramount consideration to the extent that this is consistent with adopting a course of action calculated to:a. Safeguard and promote the rights and welfare of the child; b. Conserve and promote the welfare of the child; and c. Secure for the child such guidance and correction as is necessary for the welfare of the child, and in the public interest. I have considered the Reports filed by the Adoption Agency (undated), the Guardian ad Litem dated 25 May 2025, and the Director of Children Services dated 12 September 2025, all of which were positive and recommended the adoption. Bearing in mind that this child had been abandoned and https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/kehc/2026/672/eng@2026-01-30 3

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faced an unknown future, it is my view that the adoption serves the best interests of the child. Not only will the adoption give the child a sense of belonging, but it will also give her the opportunity to grow up like every other child. 19. Pursuant to section 187(1)(a) of the Act, I hereby dispense with the consent of the biological parents since the child was found abandoned. 20. Section 186(8)(c) mandates that a child who has attained the age of 10 years must consent to the adoption. The child is 11 years old. At the hearing, she testified that she loves living with her mom and sister. The Court interprets her positive testimony and demeanour as an informed and voluntary consent to the adoption, thus satisfying the legal requirements. 21. Accordingly, I allow the Summons and make the following orders: i. The Applicant, N.A.N.K, is hereby authorised to adopt the child currently identified as SL, who will henceforth be named M.W.K; ii. The child is declared to be a citizen of Kenya, entitled to all the rights and privileges under the Constitution of Kenya and all other laws; iii. AT is appointed as the legal Guardian of the child; iv. The Guardian ad Litem is hereby discharged; v. The Registrar-General is directed to make the appropriate entries in the Adopted Children’s Register; vi. The Director of Immigration is directed to issue the child with a Kenyan passport. DATED AND DELIVERED AT NAIROBI THIS 30 DAY OF JANUARY 2026 HELENE R. NAMISI JUDGE OF THE HIGH COURT Delivered on virtual platform in the presence of: For Applicant: Ms Saad h/b Wambui Kabage Court Assistant: Lucy Mwangi https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/kehc/2026/672/eng@2026-01-30 4

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