[2018] KEHC 2127 (KLR)
The court found that the applicants had fulfilled all statutory requirements for a local adoption under the Children Act, including providing prior care for the child, demonstrating emotional and financial stability, and fostering a positive relationship with the child. The child, S. B., was abandoned at birth,...
Source-derived case information.
- Citation
- [2018] KEHC 2127 (KLR)
- Parties
- Applicant: P. M.; Applicant: J. M. M.
- Court
- High Court
- Court Station
- High Court at Kiambu
- Jurisdiction
- Kenya
- Case Number
- Adoption Cause 22 of 2017
- Procedural Posture
- Adoption Application / Judgment
- Outcome
- Adoption granted.
- Judges
- CW Meoli
- Legal Topics
- Adoption Procedure, Best Interests of Child, Abandoned Children
- Source Language
- en
Source-derived case record
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
P. M.
Applicant
J. M. M.
Applicant
Procedural Posture
Adoption Application / Judgment
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the applicants have met the legal requirements for adoption under the Children Act.
- 2 Whether granting the adoption is in the best interests of the child S. B.
Ratio Decidendi
The court found that the applicants had fulfilled all statutory requirements for a local adoption under the Children Act, including providing prior care for the child, demonstrating emotional and financial stability, and fostering a positive relationship with the child. The child, S. B., was abandoned at birth, declared free for adoption, and has since bonded well with the applicants and their biological daughter. The court, guided by the principle of the best interests of the child as enshrined in Article 53 of the Constitution and Section 4(3) of the Children Act, determined that granting the adoption would serve the welfare and stability of the child. The recommendations from the...
Court Disposition
Adoption granted.
Orders
- Prayers 1 – 5 of the Originating Summons filed on 5th December 2017 are allowed.
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
23 paragraphs
REPUBLIC OF KENYA
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KENYA AT KIAMBU
ADOPTION CASE NO 22 OF 2017
IN THE MATTER OF ADOPTION OF BABY S. B.
BY
P. M. AND J. M. M................................................................ APPLICANT
J U D G M E N T
1. The applicants herein P. M. and J. M. M. are a married couple and are aged 45 and 43 years respectively. They got married on 25th March 2000 under the African Christian Marriage and Divorce Act (now repealed). Both are gainfully employed. Their residence is at Kikuyu town. They profess the Christian faith. The couple has one biological child, a daughter named D. B. M.aged 16 years and a student at R. V. A.
2. The Applicants wish to adopt the child known as S. B., a male now aged 3 years. According to the records before the court S. B. was born on 23rd April 2015. He was a new born at the time he was found abandoned in a pit latrine at [particulars withheld], Limuru Sub County, on 23rd April 2015. He was rescued by good Samaritans and eventually a report made to police. Subsequently, he was placed at the Limuru Children Centre. The child was officially committed to the home through an order of the Chief Magistrate’s Court Limuru in Care and Protection Case No.49 of 2015.
3. The biological parents were not traced and nobody came forward to claim him and on 14th November 2015, Change Trust Adoption Society declared him free for adoption vide Certificate Number [particulars withheld]. On 2nd May, 2017 the Applicants entered into a care agreement with the Limuru Children Centre taking the child into their custody. Since then, the child has been under their care and custody. Pursuant to orders by this court, the Children’s Officer and the guardian ad litem filed social enquiry reports on the Applicants. Also on record is an assessment report by the adoption society, Change Trust.
4. The reports confirm that the Applicants are gainfully employed with a good income. That they are emotionally stable and capable of providing for the upkeep and education of the child, who it appears, has thrived under their care. The Children Officer recommends the adoption, citing the fact that the subject minor has bonded well, not only with the Applicants, but also with their biological daughter. The daughter has consented to the adoption. According to the Children Officer, the Applicants are capable parents in light of their proven ability in raising and providing for their biological daughter.
5. The court is obligated, in considering an adoption application, to uphold the best interests of the child (see Article 53 of the Constitution and Section 4 (3) of the Children Act.
6. Reviewing all the material before me, I am satisfied that the Applicants have fulfilled the requirements for a local adoption under the Children Act, prior to the adoption by taking care of the subject. During attendances, the court noted the warm and easy relationship between the Applicants and the subject. The Applicants have means to provide for their children and appear stable and socially integrated. Their desire is an opportunity to have and to care for and provide for a 2nd child.
7. This court is satisfied that it is in the best interest of the child S. B. to grant the adoption. Prayers 1 – 5 of the Originating Summons filed on 5th
December 2017 is accordingly allowed.
DELIVERED AND SIGNED AT KIAMBU THIS 23RD DAY OF NOVEMBER 2018
C. MEOLI
JUDGE
In the Presence of:
The Applicants in person
Baby S. B.
Court Clerk
Kenvin