KISUMU, Kenya — Chief Justice Martha Koome has called on Kenyans to support the judiciary in tackling the rising cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), saying the battle cannot be won by the courts alone.
Speaking in Kisumu during the launch of a specialized SGBV court, Koome emphasized that lasting solutions to the crisis lie in collective responsibility between government institutions and the communities they serve.
“We hear you when you talk about children, women who are traumatized through SGBV. This is at the heart of service delivery,” said Koome.
The Chief Justice noted that the judiciary is already laying down structures to address SGBV more effectively, including the establishment of specialized courts that handle such cases with urgency and sensitivity.
Kisumu has been identified as one of Kenya’s SGBV hotspots, prompting the rollout of targeted interventions in the region.
“SGBV is a societal problem,” Koome said. “Justice for vulnerable groups must not only be sought in courtrooms — it must also be a shared goal in our homes, communities, and institutions.”
The judiciary’s move aligns with ongoing national efforts to strengthen protection mechanisms for survivors and streamline access to justice, particularly for women and children.
Koome’s call comes amid growing concern over the prevalence of SGBV in Kenya, with rights groups and civil society organizations urging for stronger coordination across sectors to stem the crisis.
