Chief Justice Martha Koome has agreed to the suggestion to rename the Specialised Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) court the Gender Justice Court.
Speaking at a meeting on Thursday to validate Case Types and Practice Directions for the SGBV Court, CJ Koome stated that this would foster a survivor-centered approach that prioritizes survivors' rights, needs, safety, dignity, and well-being.
"The overarching aim is to have specialised courts designed to address cases of SGBV efficiently and sensitively," she said.
“These courts are a response to the pressing need for a justice system that is informed by the traumatic impacts of SGBV and prioritizes the safety, dignity and rights of survivors.”
CJ Koome stated that the Judiciary intends to equip the country's 12 gazetted Gender Justice Courts with facilities that assure survivors' comfort and safety.
“The Judiciary is committed to facilitating access to comprehensive support services for survivors, including legal aid, counseling, medical care, and social support. These services are crucial for helping survivors recover while they navigate the legal process,” she emphasized.
The CJ stated that magistrates and court workers will undergo specific training on legal issues, sensitivity when dealing with survivors, understanding the dynamics of abuse, and the need for a friendly court atmosphere.
The committee, led by High Court Registrar Clara Otieno-Omondi, proposed altering the court's name to 'Mahakama ya Haki ya Kijinsia.'
