Chief Justice Martha Koome has urged justice sector stakeholders in Vihiga County to strengthen collaboration in tackling the growing cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), saying the county records some of the highest incidences of the crime in Kenya.
Speaking during a meeting with Vihiga Law Courts staff and the Court Users Committee (CUC), Koome directed the Principal Judge to establish an SGBV working group within the CUC to coordinate interventions, enhance public awareness, and ensure SGBV cases receive priority attention.
She also called for refurbishment of the child protection unit at the local police station, improvement of the rescue centre, and establishment of a holding facility for children in conflict with the law.
The Chief Justice emphasized public education on SGBV, plea bargaining, and Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) to improve access to justice.
Koome noted that the Judiciary’s digitized case management system is accelerating succession cases, particularly benefiting widows, while warning against corruption in the justice sector and urging stronger integrity committees.
Stakeholders proposed expanded virtual court hearings, prison officer paralegal training, and wider use of mediation.
Justice Joel Ngugi announced plans to establish an Alternative Justice System in Vihiga, while Justice Aggrey Muchelule said court-annexed mediation has significantly reduced case resolution timelines.