NAIROBI, Kenya Aug 7 – Chief Justice Martha Koome has called for strong action to be taken to curtail the prevalence of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). She said the menace has now reached alarming and devastating levels creating a dangerous impact on communities in the Western region of the country.
Speaking in Bungoma during an engagement with members of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Bungoma Court Users Committee (CUC), the Chief Justice described the prevalence of SGBV in the county as deeply concerning, noting that the number of reported cases reflects a serious societal crisis requiring urgent and coordinated national action.
“The prevalence of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence is alarming, and its impact on families and communities demands a whole-of-society response,” she said.
Chief Justice Koome urged Court Users Committees to strengthen collaboration with justice sector institutions, government agencies, and community stakeholders to develop preventive interventions that address the root causes of SGBV.
She noted that prevention efforts would not only protect vulnerable members of society but also reduce the burden on the justice system and correctional facilities.
Reaffirming the Judiciary’s commitment to protecting victims of SGBV, the Chief Justice said cases involving Sexual and Gender-Based Violence would continue to receive priority to ensure timely access to justice.
She further announced that the Judiciary will consider establishing a dedicated SGBV Registry within the courts in Bungoma County to facilitate the expeditious handling of such cases. The proposed registry would help minimize delays and reduce the risk of victims being re-traumatized through repeated court appearances.
Chief Justice Koome also commended the Bungoma Court Users Committee for its strong collaboration in enhancing the administration of justice and improving service delivery to court users.
Speaking during the meeting, Bungoma Law Society of Kenya representative Daisy Wakoli welcomed the Judiciary’s continued efforts to improve access to justice, particularly through the establishment of the Small Claims Court in Bungoma and the Court of Appeal station in Kakamega, which handles appeals arising from Bungoma County.
