GLOBAL DATABASE ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLSCOUNTRY-PROFILEKENYAMEASURESESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIALIZED SEXUAL GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE (SGBV) COURTS
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KENYA | AFRICA
Establishment of specialized Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) courts
Type of Measure
Services > Justice
Form of Violence
Other harmful practices
Brief Description

The Judiciary has established specialized Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) courts to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of hearing SGBV matters and to do so in a manner that protects the rights of the vulnerable victims and survivors. So far, there are 12 SGBV courts in the country. The Judiciary also developed an SGBV Strategy to address the challenges in dealing with SGBV cases. The strategy was informed by the challenges identified following a consultation and analysis process that revealed several deficiencies, including structural obstacles such as inadequate courtrooms and trial chambers ill-equipped to accommodate vulnerable individuals like persons with disabilities and children. Key initiatives to be undertaken under the Strategy involve the expansion of SGBV courts, with a central focus on adopting a victim/survivor-centered approach that prioritizes the needs and concerns of victims in judicial responses. The Strategy also recognizes the importance of providing legal and psychosocial support to all SGBV victims. The implementation of the strategy began with sensitization and awareness campaigns to demystify SGBV Courts and increase their visibility. The electronic Convicted Sex Offender Register was also introduced alongside the SGBV Strategy in June 2023. This electronic register serves as a crucial tool for analyzing trends in sexual offenses and categorizing different types of offenses.

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