The Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court will be relocated from Shanzu to a new site in Mtwapa, as efforts are made to roll out the specialized courts across the country, Chief Justice Martha Koome has said.

The Chief Justice, who spoke during a meeting with ambassadors from Denmark and Sweden to review strategic partnerships supported through the International Development Law Organisation (IDLO), says the courts will ensure tailor-made justice for victims of sexual and gender-based violence.

“A key priority area of collaboration is rolling out SGBV courts across the country, with a special focus on establishing trauma informed court rooms and training of Judicial Officers on SGBV sensitive handling of cases,” said CJ Koome.

She also revealed that the Judiciary was on course to establish 100 Small Claims Courts in urban and border towns to settle civil and commercial disputes in a timely manner.

“To ensure that we resolve commercial disputes efficiently we hope to establish Small Claims Courts in urban areas and border towns. We target to establish 100 such courts in the next five years,” she said.

Danish Ambassador to Kenya Ole Thonke emphasized the necessity for ensuring that victims of such crimes get speedy justice in courts.

On her part, Swedish ambassador Caroline Vicini, said her country is keen to continue supporting Kenya’s justice system through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.