Chief Justice Martha Koome has reassured Kenyans that the justice sector is determined to ensure that they can rely on it's system.
Koome added that they are committed to enhancing effectiveness and efficiency in dealing with Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases.
This is being done from the police level to the sentencing and re-integration of perpetrators.
"We are determined to ensure that all citizens - regardless of gender, age, or physical ability- can rely on the justice system," she said.
She spoke on Tuesday during the inaugural SGBV National Conference at Safari Park, Nairobi.
"Our combined efforts will ensure victims feel seen, heard and validated within our system," she said.
Koome said in the strive to address SGBV, the judiciary has taken proactive measures including launching the STAJ SGBV Court Strategy launched in June 2023.
The strategy is aimed at guiding the process of rolling out trauma-informed courts, which will ensure expeditious justice for the survivors of SGBV.
Further, Koome noted that they have launched 12 SGBV courts countrywide, which have targeted the hotspot areas following a pilot court in Shanzu, Mombasa.
The Shanzu court was launched in 2022.
The other courts are in Nairobi, Mombasa, Siaya and Kisumu, with designated special SGBV registries in Meru, Nakuru, Kiambu, Machakos, Kisii, Kitale and Machakos.
The CJ added that the judiciary is in the process of coming up with SGBV Practice Directions, and Operational Guidelines for remote court proceedings.
"In addition, the capacity building on SGBV and developing SGBV Guidelines for the justice sector are initiatives currently being undertaken to improve our response on SGBV cases," Koome added.
She said while much progress has been made in the bid to end SGBV, much remains to be done.
"It is imperative that we collectively advocate for legal reforms, policy changes and a transformative shift in societal norms that perpetuate sexual and gender-based violence," she said.
The CJ called upon Kenyans, non-state actors and state agencies to join in and work as a team to address the root cause and consequences for SGBV.
"We must remember that the fight against SGBV is not about punishing perpetrators, but also restoring dignity to survivors," Koome said.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one in three women is at risk of SGBV in Kenya, while 18 per cent of young boys are at risk.
