Kenya’s Judiciary and Government Step Up Efforts to Combat Gender-Based Violence

Busia – Chief Justice Martha Koome has emphasized the Kenyan Judiciary’s dedication to protecting the rights of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) victims. Her statement was conveyed by Busia Presiding Judge Justice William Musyoka during an event at Busia Polytechnic grounds.

According to Kenya News Agency, the Judiciary has established a specialized court within the children’s court framework, designated as the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court. This initiative, already launched in Shanzu, Kisumu, Kibera, Makadara, and Siaya, is part of a broader effort to adapt a victim-based approach for fast-tracking gender violence cases. Plans are underway to expand this model to other areas, including Busia. Additionally, an electronic register for convicted sexual offenders has been set up to maintain data on perpetrators and facilitate ease of access.

Koome highlighted the ongoing campaign against GBV, focusing on unity, investment, and the prevention of violence against women and girls. She pointed out that patriarchal structures, which form the foundation of GBV, can be dismantled through continuous awareness and public sensitization. The Chief Justice reiterated the Judiciary’s commitment to policy-making and programming that targets the eradication of all forms of GBV against women and girls, in collaboration with various stakeholders.

Aisha Jumwa, the Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, the Arts, and Heritage, also expressed the government’s dedication to combating GBV. In her speech, delivered by Principal Secretary Anne Wangombe, Jumwa highlighted initiatives such as the global commitments made through the Gender Equality Forum and the 9-point agenda for women in the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). She mentioned the recent launch of the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act, which exemplifies the government’s commitment to creating a just society free of GBV. Jumwa also recognized the progress made in Busia, including the establishment of Gender-Based Recovery Centres in health facilities.

Jumwa called upon county governments to invest in local priorities and programs addressing GBV and encouraged local leaders to promote nonviolent conflict resolution among citizens.

Mary Makokha, Director of the Rural Education and Empowerment Programme, noted the high incidence of GBV cases in Busia County that rarely reach the courts. She urged the county government to economically empower GBV victims, particularly those from impoverished backgrounds, to reduce their vulnerability. Makokha also advised against negotiating GBV cases outside the legal system and emphasized the need for supporting victims before perpetrators are arrested. She highlighted the necessity of establishing a rescue center in Busia to shelter victims, especially girls impregnated through incest, who often continue to live with their perpetrators.

The forum was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Gender, local Civil Society Organizations, GBV survivors, religious leaders, teachers’ union officials, and officers from both county and national government.