Speaking in Bungoma during an engagement with members of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Bungoma Court Users Committee (CUC) attended by Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya and Presiding Judge of Bungoma Lady Justice Emily Ominde, the Chief Justice described the prevalence of SGBV in the county as deeply concerning, noting that the number of reported cases reflects a serious societal crisis requiring urgent and coordinated national action.

“The prevalence of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence is alarming, and its impact on families and communities demands a whole-of-society response,” she said.

Chief Justice Koome urged Court Users Committees to strengthen collaboration with justice sector institutions, government agencies, and community stakeholders to develop preventive interventions that address the root causes of SGBV. She noted that prevention efforts would not only protect vulnerable members of society and secure the future of children but also reduce the burden on the justice system and correctional facilities.

Reaffirming the Judiciary’s commitment to protecting victims of SGBV, the Chief Justice said cases involving Sexual and Gender-Based Violence would receive priority to ensure timely access to justice.

She announced that the Judiciary will establish a dedicated SGBV Registry within the courts in Bungoma County to facilitate the expeditious handling of such cases. The proposed registry would help minimize delays and reduce the risk of victims being re-traumatized through repeated court appearances.

Chief Justice Koome also commended the Bungoma Court Users Committee for its strong collaboration in enhancing the administration of justice and improving service delivery to court users.

Speaking during the meeting, Bungoma Law Society of Kenya representative Daisy Wakoli welcomed the Judiciary’s efforts to improve access to justice through the establishment of the Small Claims Court in Bungoma and the Court of Appeal station in Kakamega, which handles appeals arising from Bungoma County.

She, however, raised concerns over the state of court infrastructure in Bungoma, Kimilili and Webuye noting that existing court facilities require modernization to provide a dignified environment for justice seekers.

The Law Society of Kenya also requested the establishment and operationalization of a new court at Kopsiro to reduce the distance travelled by litigants. Additionally, the Society called for the establishment of a Court of Appeal Sub-Registry in Bungoma to bring appellate services closer to residents.

Ms Jedidah Waruhiu from the Witness Protection Agency commended Bungoma County for its commitment to referring eligible witnesses for protection.

Principal Secretary Karen Ageng’o urged courts to facilitate early recording of victims’ and witnesses’ testimony in children’s matters to support the expeditious hearing and determination of cases involving children.

Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, called upon communities to take greater responsibility in protecting and nurturing children, noting that stronger family and community support systems would reduce children’s vulnerability and their likelihood of coming into conflict with the law.

The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of justice sector stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, improve access to justice, enhance victim protection, and develop coordinated responses to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and other pressing justice challenges affecting the people of Bungoma County and the larger Western region.