- The CJ also called for the members of the justice sector to acknowledge the SGBV survivor's resilience and determination to seek justice.
- She further urged them to ensure that the legal system responds to them with sensitivity and efficiency, while holding the perpetrators accountable.
Image: MARTHA KOOME/X
We should remember that Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) affects every facet of our lives; from our homes to our workplaces and into our communities.
This is a statement on Tuesday by Chief Justice Martha Koome during the inaugural SGBV National Conference at Safari Park.
Delivering her speech, Koome directed members of the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ)and stakeholders, on what to do to ensure that they end the scourge.
Among the ways to achieve an SGBV-free society, Koome said is for the justice sector and agencies fighting the act to unite and work together.
"I urge each and every one of us, and all agencies represented in this conference, to work towards a society free of the chains of SGBV, where the dignity of every person is recognised and every voice is heard," she said.
She also noted that the justice sector ought to be effective and efficient, as that is the key to bridging the gap between SGBV survivor's trauma and hope for a better future.
The President of the Supreme Court directed the sector to focus on enhancing their capacity to manage and protect evidence.
This, she said, calls for familiarity with witnesses and the proper handling of evidence.
"We must create a coordinated chain of custody, ensuring evidence remains untainted from the point of collection to the court presentation, forging a more robust path to justice," she added.
Koome said to address the aforementioned, they needed to improve the uptake and application of forensic principles in investigation and augment their capacity for legal representation.
They also need to enhance their institutional abilities to deal effectively with SGBV-related cases, which the CJ termed as serious.
She noted that SGBV is not only a crime but a violation of both human rights and dignity of the vulnerable members of society.
CJ Koome regretted that the same causes psychological, financial, and emotional distress to the victims, their families and the nation as a whole.
She advised against delays in dealing with the cases.
"Further, our frontline teams must adopt the Active Case Management method to identify and mitigate barriers to access to justice including reducing delays in investigations, hearing and determination of cases," she said.
Koome also pointed out that they needed to understand the unique needs of SGBV victims.
"A proper knowledge of gender dynamics and a compassionate, respectful and trauma-informed approach should be the foundation upon which we build trust with the victims," she said.
The CJ also called for the members of the justice sector to acknowledge the SGBV survivor's resilience and determination to seek justice.
She further urged them to ensure that the legal system responds to them with sensitivity and efficiency, while holding the perpetrators accountable.
"This is not just a legal duty but a moral obligation," she said.
The theme of the conference is 'Enhancing Administration and Access to Justice for Victims of SGBV', which Koome said underscores the urgency of the NCAJ's collective mission.
She noted that the theme is a reminder that access to justice is a fundamental human right.
"As guardians of justice, it is our duty to ensure that every Kenyan, regardless of their background or gender, can access justice without hindrance," CJ Koome added.