[2019] KEHC 12075 (KLR)
The court found that the applicant fulfilled all statutory requirements for adoption under the Children.s Act. The applicant demonstrated financial stability, emotional readiness, and a strong bond with the child, who had been abandoned at birth and declared free for adoption. Both the guardian ad litem and the...
Source-derived case information.
- Citation
- [2019] KEHC 12075 (KLR)
- Parties
- Applicant: CWM; Respondent: MW alias GW (minor)
- Court
- High Court
- Court Station
- High Court at Nairobi (Milimani Law Courts)
- Jurisdiction
- Kenya
- Case Number
- Adoption Cause 92 of 2018
- Procedural Posture
- Originating Summons / Judgment
- Outcome
- adoption granted
- Judges
- A Ali-Aroni
- Legal Topics
- Adoption Procedure, Best Interests of Child, Appointment of Guardian Ad Litem
- Source Language
- en
Source-derived case record
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
CWM
Applicant
MW alias GW (minor)
Respondent
Procedural Posture
Originating Summons / Judgment
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the applicant meets the legal requirements to adopt the minor under the Children.s Act.
- 2 Whether the adoption is in the best interests of the child.
- 3 Whether suitable legal guardians have been appointed in the event of the applicant's incapacity or death.
Ratio Decidendi
The court found that the applicant fulfilled all statutory requirements for adoption under the Children.s Act. The applicant demonstrated financial stability, emotional readiness, and a strong bond with the child, who had been abandoned at birth and declared free for adoption. Both the guardian ad litem and the Director of Children.s Services recommended the applicant as a fit adoptive parent. The court determined that the adoption was in the best interests of the child, ensuring her welfare and stability. Suitable legal guardians were appointed to safeguard the child.s interests in the event of the applicant.s incapacity or death. The court therefore authorized the adoption, ordered the...
Court Disposition
adoption granted
Orders
- The applicant CWM is authorized to adopt MW alias GW, who will be known as NW.
- RNN and LWM are appointed as the child.s legal guardians in the event the applicant dies or is incapacitated before the minor attains the age of 18 years.
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
29 paragraphs
REPUBLIC OF KENYA
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KENYA AT NAIROBI
FAMILY DIVISION
ADOPTION CAUSE NO. 92 OF 2018 (OS)
IN THE MATTER OF THE CHILDREN’S ACT NO. 8 OF 2001
IN THE MATTER OF ADOPTION OFMW ALIAS GW
BY
CWM (APPLICANT)
JUDGEMENT
1. The ApplicantCWMmoved this court by way of an Originating Summons dated 29th March 2019 seeking for the following orders; -
a. That she be authorised to adopt the minor MW ALIASGW (MINOR
b. The minor upon adoption be known as NW
c. That RNN & LWMbe appointed as legal guardian of the minor in the event the applicant dies or is incapacitated by ill-health before the minor is of full age and fully self-reliant.
d. That the Registrar General do enter the adoption in the Adoption Register.
2. Before allowing any adoption, the court would require guardian ad litem be appointed. Sandra Wanjiku Mwaura was appointed as Guardian ad litem on the 11th of October 2018. The Guardian ad litem as appointed by court and the Department Children’s Services were required to investigate and file their respective socio inquiry reports on the applicant’s suitability and fitness to adopt.
3. The guardian ad litem in her report filed on 28th February, 2019 reported that the child has had a healthy growth, is well catered for and was very close to the applicant. She recommended the applicant as a fit person to adopt the child.
4. In his report filed on 11th February, 2019 the Director of Children’s department echoes the sentiments of the guardian ad litem. Further the report found the applicant was able and willing financially to support the child and recommended the adoption of the child by the applicant.
5. The applicant is aged 44 years and is head of brand and communication in a telcom company in Nairobi. She is a single. She resides in in a three bedroomed house off Rapta road in Westlands in Nairobi. Her reason for adopting the minor herein is purely philanthropic.
6. The child was placed with the Applicant on the 19th of May 2006. 13 years ago, and is said to have bonded well with the applicant whom she refers to as ‘mum’.
7. The child was born on 20th off June, 2016 and was abandoned at birth at Kiambu District Hospital by her biological mother.The matter was referred to Kiambu Children’s office on 4th July, 2016. Thereafter the child was placed at Mogra Soul Winner Rescue Centre on 12th July, 2016. . Two police letters dated indicated that her parents could not be traced.
8. The child was declared free for adoption by Little Angels Network on 1st September, 2017. The child was placed with the applicant on 2nd June, 2017.
9. Against the above background the court finds the applicant is a fit person to adopt the child, she has met all the necessary requirements of law and this adoption is for the best interest of the child. Consequently, the following orders issue;
a. The Applicant CWM be and is hereby authorised to adopt MW ALIAS GW who will upon this adoption be known as NW
b. RNN & LWM be and are hereby appointed as the child’s legal guardian in the event the applicant dies or is incapacitated before the minor attains the age of 18 years.
c. The Registrar General do enter this adoption in the Adoption Register.
d. The guardian ad litem S W M is hereby discharged from the duties bestowed upon her by the court.
Dated and Delivered in Nairobi this 28th day of November, 2019.
ALI-ARONI
JUDGE