The Judiciary has launched a specialized Taskforce to address the alarming rise in gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide in Kenya, calling the move both “timely and urgent.”
The formation of the Taskforce comes as the country grapples with increasing cases of brutal violence against women and girls, despite Kenya’s commitments to international and domestic laws designed to protect citizens.
While sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is legally recognized as a human rights violation, it remains normalized in many communities, especially within private and domestic spaces that often escape public scrutiny.
The Judiciary acknowledges that cultural traditions, kinship systems, and religious practices have further complicated efforts to combat SGBV.
To address these challenges, the Judiciary launched its STAJ SGBV Strategy 2023–2030, aiming to build a trauma-responsive, survivor-centered justice system.
A key component of the strategy is the creation of Gender Justice Courts, first piloted in Shanzu in 2022 and now expanded to 12 counties.
The goal is to have at least one such court in every county to promote equitable access to justice.
These courts are designed to reduce case backlogs, minimize revictimization, and ensure fair trial standards.
The Judiciary has also automated the Convicted Sexual Offenders Electronic Register, in line with the Sexual Offences Act, 2006.
However, the expansion of these courts faces resource constraints.
To address this, the Judiciary has proposed ring-fenced budget allocations and the establishment of One-Stop Centres that integrate health, legal, psychosocial, and protective services for survivors.
Chief Justice Martha Koome also suggested amending the Victim Protection Act, 2014, to include a Victim Protection Fund similar to Sweden’s, funded through court-imposed fines.
The Taskforce, chaired by Lady Justice (Dr.) Nancy Baraza, has been urged to develop practical, sustainable solutions and collaborate with existing SGBV-focused committees to build a survivor-centered justice system for all Kenyans.
