Chief Justice Martha Koome has called on justice sector stakeholders in Vihiga County to work together to address the rising cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), noting that the county records some of the highest numbers of such cases in the country.

Speaking during a meeting with Vihiga Law Courts staff and the Court Users Committee (CUC), the Chief Justice urged stakeholders to prioritize SGBV cases, strengthen community awareness, and establish coordinated interventions. She directed the Principal Judge to spearhead the formation of an SGBV working group within the CUC to coordinate responses to emerging issues.

The Chief Justice also called for the refurbishment of the child protection unit at the police station, improvement of the rescue centre, and establishment of a holding facility for children in conflict with the law. She emphasized the need for public sensitization on SGBV, plea bargaining, and Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) to enhance access to justice and promote social harmony.

On succession matters, she noted that the Judiciary’s digitized case management system is expediting the processing of cases, particularly benefiting widows. She further cautioned against corruption within the justice sector, urging Court Users Committees to strengthen local integrity committees to combat the vice.

The Judiciary leadership, accompanied by Chief Registrar Winfridah Mokaya, JSC Vice Chairperson Isaac Ruto, and other senior Judiciary officials, also met court staff who presented administrative concerns. The Chief Justice assured them that the Judiciary would address the issues raised.

Stakeholders highlighted key justice sector challenges. Vihiga Prison requested a functional virtual court, training of prison officers as paralegals, and review of bail and bond terms to reduce prison congestion. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions reaffirmed its commitment to people-centred prosecutions, collaboration, and the use of diversion to enhance timely justice.

The National Police Service called for expanded virtual hearings to reduce witness transportation costs, while mediators urged the fast-tracking of the Mediation Bill and expansion of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms. Civil society organizations called for greater attention to SGBV and succession cases affecting widows, while county security officials linked rising defilement and incest cases to illicit brews and outlined ongoing enforcement efforts.

Justice Joel Ngugi announced plans to establish an Alternative Justice System in Vihiga, while Court of Appeal Judge Aggrey Muchelule noted that 305 cases have been referred to Court-Annexed Mediation, significantly reducing case resolution timelines, with further improvements expected.