Chief Justice Martha Koome has called for strong action to be taken to curtail the prevalence of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

She said the menace has now reached alarming and devastating levels creating a dangerous impact on communities in the Western region of the country.

Speaking in Bungoma during an engagement with members of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Bungoma Court Users Committee (CUC), 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 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 continue to receive priority to ensure timely access to justice.

She further announced that the Judiciary will consider establishing 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 continued efforts to improve access to justice, particularly 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 deteriorating state of court infrastructure in Bungoma, noting that existing court facilities require urgent rehabilitation and modernization to provide a dignified environment for justice seekers.

Ms. Wakoli further observed that despite the availability of adequate land at Kimilili and Webuye Law Courts, new court infrastructure has yet to be developed. She appealed to the Judiciary to consider constructing new court buildings at the two stations.

The Law Society of Kenya also requested the establishment and operationalization of a new court at Kopsiro to reduce the distance travelled by litigants seeking judicial services.

Additionally, the Society called for the establishment of a Court of Appeal Sub-Registry in Bungoma to bring appellate services closer to residents.

Recognizing Bungoma as one of the counties with a high prevalence of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, the LSK further appealed for the establishment of a dedicated SGBV Court to enhance access to specialized and victim-centred justice.

The Witness Protection Agency commended Bungoma County for its commitment to referring eligible witnesses for protection and encouraged justice sector stakeholders to sustain the referrals to safeguard witnesses participating in criminal proceedings.

Principal Secretary for Children Services Karen Ageng'o underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the Judiciary, the Department of Children's Services, and other justice sector institutions in protecting the rights and welfare of children.

She noted that strengthening families and community support systems remains critical in preventing child vulnerability and reducing the number of children entering the justice system.

She also acknowledged the important role played by Court Users Committees in advancing the promotion and protection of children's rights.

The Principal Secretary further 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 praised the close collaboration among justice sector agencies, emphasizing that effective delivery of justice depends on strong institutional partnerships.

He also 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.