https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/kehc/2026/8223

In re BH (Adoption Cause E324 of 2025) [2026] KEHC 8223 (KLR) (Family) (4 June 2026) (Judgment) Neutral citation: [2026] KEHC 8223 (KLR) Republic of Kenya In the High Court at Nairobi (Milimani Law Courts) Family Adoption Cause E324 of 2025 CJ Kendagor, J June 4, 2026 In the matter of CWM Applicant Judgment 1.Before this Court is the application dated 19th November, 2025. The Applicant, CWM is seeking to be authorized to adopt Baby BH hereinafter referred to as (“the Child”) and upon adoption, the Child is to be known as JBN. CMM was nominated for appointment as the Child’s legal guardian upon the granting of the adoption orders. 2.The Applicant is a Kenyan citizen. She is financially able to provide for the Child, as evidenced by her asset documentation. Her health is good, as evidenced by her medical report, and she has no previous criminal record, as evidenced by police clearance certificates issued by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. 3.The report from the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services, State Department for Children Services (Nairobi County), dated 30th March, 2026, indicates that the Child is female. Her biological parents are unknown; she was found abandoned in Riabai, Kiambu. The Child was declared free for adoption on 25th June, 2025 by Buckner Kenya Adoption Services vide freeing Certificate Serial Number 0885. 4.The Child is presumed to be a Kenyan citizen by birth by virtue of Article 14 (4) of the Constitution, having been found in Kenya at the time of her rescue, with her nationality and parents unknown. 5.In light of the best interests of the Child principle provided for under Article 53 (2) of the Constitution of Kenya. 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: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.2.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; andc.secure for the Child such guidance and correction as is necessary for the welfare of the Child, and in public interest.3.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.c.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.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; -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.18.Any other factor which may have a direct or indirect effect on the physical and psychological well -being of the Child. 6.The report from the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services State Department for Children Services (Nairobi County), the report from Buckner Kenya Adoption Services. The guardian ad litem and the proposed legal guardian indicate that the Child is well known to the adoptive parent and that she will be well taken care of in her care and custody. 7.I find that this adoption gives CWM a chance to acquire parental rights and responsibilities over the Child. The adoption serves the best interests of the Child. 8.In the circumstances, I allow the Originating Summons dated 19th November, 2025 and make the following orders:a.The Applicant CWM is authorized to adopt the Child known as BH.b.Upon adoption, the Child shall be known as JBN.c.The Child is declared to be a Kenyan citizen by birth and is entitled to all rights and benefits under the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 and all applicable laws.d.CMM is appointed as the legal guardian of the Child.e.The Registrar General is directed to make the relevant entries in the Adopted Children’s Register in respect of the Child.f.The Registrar of births and deaths is directed to issue a birth certificate in respect of the Child’s new name.g.The guardian ad litem is hereby discharged.It is so ordered. DATED, DELIVERED AND SIGNED AT NAIROBI ON THIS 4TH DAY OF JUNE, 2026.…………………………C. KENDAGORJUDGEIn the presence of:Ms. Beryl Anindo – Court Assistant.