High Court 12664 of 2026

was born out of a relationship that never led to marriage and was therefore raised in the Applicant’s home where the Applicant took care of the Child. 5. The Applicant avers that the purpose of the adoption is to legally allow her to become the Child’s parent, a role she has willingly executed since the Child was born. 6. At the hearing, the Child’s biological father and biological mother consented to the adoption. They are aware the Applicant has dual citizenship. 7. During the Child’s interview, the Child told the court that she was aware of the proceedings which had been explained to her and expressly gave her consent. She identified her mother and grandmother. Her written consent was produced before court. 8. The Child was declared free for adoption by KKPI Adoption Society vide certificate No. 1018 dated 23rd April 2025. 9. The Applicant has undergone background checks, and reports from the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children’s Services and the appointed Guardian ad Litem indicates that she is eligible to adopt. 10. She has indicated that she would like to legalize her relationship with the Child through adoption to enable the Child to have a sense of identity and more chances in life. 11. The report from the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children’s Services (Nairobi County) dated 22nd May, 2026 indicates that the adoption is a kinship adoption. The Child is being adopted by her grandmother. 12. The Applicant took over the care and custody of the Child in providing for the Child’s basic needs since she was born and raised in her home. Pending hearing of the application before this Court, MKK was appointed as Guardian ad Litem of the Child. She gave a positive report averring that the Child has been under the continuous care and support of the Applicant since birth. The Applicant has acted as the Child’s primary caregiver throughout her upbringing. The report indicates that the Child has developed a strong parental bond with the Applicant and recognizes her as the primary parental figure. 13. The Child is a Kenyan citizen by virtue of her Birth Certificate bearing serial number 35xxx62 having been born to DKA and ANN and by virtue of Article 14 (1) which provides that; ”A person is a citizen by birth if on the day of the person’s birth, whether or not the person is born in Kenya, either the mother or father of the person is a citizen” 14. EMA, the proposed legal guardian, is a Kenyan citizen by virtue of her National Identity Card. She is the Applicant’s daughter. She consented to being the legal guardian with the full understanding of the mandate. 15. In light of the best interests of the Child principle provided for under Article 53 (2) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. Sections 8 (1), (2) and (3) of the Children’s Act No. 29 of 2022 and the 1st Schedule of the Children’s Act No. 29 of 2022, this Court has an obligation to prioritize the Child’s best interests in making decisions touching on her. a. Article 53 of the Constitution, 2010 states that a Child’s best interests are of paramount importance in every matter concerning the Child. b. Sections 8 (1), (2) and (3) of the Children’s Act No. 29 of 2022 provides as follows; 1. In all actions concerning Children, whether undertaken by public of private social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies: https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/kehc/2026/12664/eng@2026-07-30 2

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2. 3. c. 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 public interest. In any matters affecting a Child, the Child shall be accorded an opportunity to express their opinion, and that opinion shall be taken into account in appropriate cases, having regard to the Child’s age and degree of maturity. The First Schedule as provided for under Section 8 (1) of the Children’s Act No. 29 of 2022 provides best interests considerations to be as follows: 1. The age, maturity, stage of development, gender, background and any other relevant characteristics of the Child. 2. Distinct special needs (if any) arising from chronic ailment or disability. 3. The relationship of the Child with the Child’s parent(s) and/or guardian(s) and any other persons who may significantly affect the Child’s welfare. 4. The preference of the Child, if old enough to express a meaningful preference. 5. The duration and adequacy of the Child’s current living arrangements and the desirability of maintaining continuity. 6. The stability of any proposed living arrangements for the Child. 7. The motivation of the parties involved and their capacities to give the Child love, affection and guidance. 8. The Child’s adjustment to the Child’s present home, school and community. 9. The capacity of each parent or guardian to allow and encourage frequent and continuing contact between the Child and the other parent and/or guardian(s), including physical access. 10. The capacity of each parent and/or guardian(s) to cooperate or to learn to cooperate in Child care. 11. Methods for assisting parental and/or guardian cooperation and resolving disputes and each parent’s/guardian’s willingness to use those methods. 12. The effect of the Child if one parent/guardian has sole authority over the Child’s upbringing. https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/kehc/2026/12664/eng@2026-07-30 3

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13. The existence of domestic abuse between the parents/guardian (s), in the past or currently, and how that abuse affects the emotional stability and physical safety of the Child. 14. The existence of any history of Child abuse by a parent and/or guardian(s); or anyone residing in the same dwelling as the Child. 15. Where the Child is under one year of age, whether the Child is being breast - fed. 16. The existence of a parent’s(s) or guardian’s(s) conviction for a sex offense or a sexually violent offense under the Sexual Offences Act. 17. Where there is a person residing with a parent or guardian, whether that person; - 18. a. Has been convicted of a crime under this Act, the Sexual Offences Act, the Penal Code or any other legislation. b. Has been adjudicated of a juvenile offence which, if the person had been an adult at the time of the offence, the person would have been convicted of a felony. Any other factor which may have a direct or indirect effect on the physical and psychological well -being of the Child. 16. The report from the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children’s Services (Nairobi County), the report from Change Adoption Society, the guardian ad litem, and the proposed legal guardian all indicate that the Child will be well taken care of in the care and custody of the adoptive parent. 17. I am convinced that this adoption offers the Child a significant opportunity for an improved quality of life. In the circumstances, I allow the Originating Summons dated 16th April, 2026 and make the following orders: 18. a. The Applicant herein TKA is authorized to adopt the Child known as SI. b. Upon adoption, the Child shall maintain the name SI. c. EMA is appointed as the legal guardian of the Child. d. The Registrar General is directed to make the relevant entries in the Adopted Children’s Register in respect of the Child. e. The guardian ad litem is hereby discharged. It is so ordered. DATED, DELIVERED AND SIGNED AT NAIROBI ON THIS 30TH DAY OF JULY, 2026. ………………………. C. KENDAGOR JUDGE In the presence of: Court Assistant: Beryl https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/kehc/2026/12664/eng@2026-07-30 4

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