Chief Justice Martha Koome has urged Kenyans to take collective responsibility in addressing the growing cases of sexual and gender-based violence and femicide.
Speaking in Kisumu on Monday during the launch of the Tribunals Shared Services Centre, Koome said the rising trend in SGBV demands a joint response from all stakeholders, including government, civil society, community leaders and citizens.
“SGBV is not an issue that can be conclusively dealt with by the Judiciary alone. We must work together to understand what is troubling our society, that people no longer uphold the dignity of the vulnerable,” Koome said.
She assured that the Judiciary remains committed to fast-tracking SGBV cases and ensuring justice is served.
Among the measures taken, the CJ highlighted the establishment of gender justice courts, particularly in regions identified as hotspots, to handle such cases with speed and sensitivity.
“SGBV should never be tolerated at any level of society. We will ensure perpetrators are firmly dealt with to give hope to survivors and restore dignity in our communities,” she said.
According to Koome, the newly launched Tribunals Shared Services Centre is part of the Judiciary’s wider decentralisation agenda aimed at making justice more accessible and affordable, especially for residents outside Nairobi.
Koome said the centre would eliminate the burden of long travel for justice seekers from areas like Nyakach, Ahero, Muhoroni and Seme.
“Our goal is to ensure that people access justice where they are, and that the justice we deliver reflects their identity and needs,” she said.
The shared services model will house multiple tribunals including those handling business premises rent, cooperative disputes, tax appeals, rent restrictions, and HIV- Aids issues under one roof.
It will also centralise key support functions like finance, procurement, ICT and human resources to enhance efficiency and consistency.
Additionally, the facility will include a digital hub where the public, including self-represented litigants, can access internet services, receive digital literacy training, file cases online, and attend virtual hearings.
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, who attended the event alongside Deputy Governor Mathews Owili and judicial officers, said the CJ’s visit is a major boost for Kisumu county’s justice system.
“We are honoured to host you, Madam CJ, for the second time since your appointment. Your presence and efforts here mean a lot to us,” Nyong’o said.
He said the Judiciary’s recent developments in Kisumu include the launch of the Alternative Justice System (AJS) at the city offices, a new tribunal registration desk in Nyalenda, a refurbished city court, and upcoming court facilities in Kombewa, Muhoroni and Nyando.
“These courts and systems will help us enhance service delivery, resolve disputes faster, and decongest our courtrooms. We are especially excited about the court to be launched in Kombewa, which will bring justice closer to the people of Seme,” Nyong’o said.
The governor expressed optimism for the establishment of a new court in Katito to serve Nyakach residents and praised the Judiciary for maintaining a cordial and collaborative relationship with the county government.
“We appreciate all the good things the Judiciary is doing for Kisumu and look forward to continued engagement to improve justice for our people,” he said.
by FAITH MATETE
