Chief Justice Martha Koome has called on all Kenyans to join forces in tackling the rising cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and femicide. Speaking in Kisumu during the launch of the Tribunals Shared Services Centre, Koome emphasized that addressing SGBV requires a collaborative effort involving government, civil society, community leaders, and citizens alike. She noted that the Judiciary alone cannot solve this challenge and urged society to restore respect for the vulnerable.
Koome reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to expediting SGBV cases, highlighting the creation of gender justice courts in high-risk areas to ensure swift and sensitive handling of such matters. She stressed that SGBV must never be tolerated and vowed that perpetrators will be firmly dealt with to offer hope to survivors and restore community dignity.
The newly opened Tribunals Shared Services Centre forms part of the Judiciary’s decentralization strategy, aimed at making justice more accessible and affordable for residents outside Nairobi. The centre will serve areas like Nyakach, Ahero, Muhoroni, and Seme, reducing the need for long-distance travel for legal matters. It consolidates multiple tribunals — covering business rent, cooperative disputes, tax appeals, and more — under one roof, along with key support services such as finance, procurement, ICT, and human resources to improve efficiency.
The facility also includes a digital hub providing internet access, digital literacy training, online case filing, and virtual hearings, helping self-represented litigants navigate the justice system more easily.
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o welcomed the CJ’s visit as a boost to the county’s justice system, highlighting recent improvements such as the Alternative Justice System launch, a tribunal registration desk, court refurbishments, and upcoming new courts in Kombewa, Muhoroni, and Nyando. He expressed hope for a new court in Katito to serve Nyakach and praised the strong collaboration between the Judiciary and the county government aimed at enhancing justice delivery for Kisumu residents.
