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{
    "id": 1566069,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1566069/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 119,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "The Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, the Arts & Heritage (",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "(v) Perpetrators may bribe officials to avoid prosecution while survivors may be coerced to withdrawing the cases. (vi) Backlog and delays in the judicial system. Kenya's courts are overwhelmed with a backlog of cases leading to significant delays in the resolution of these matters. Survivors often lose hope or drop cases due to the prolonged wait for justice. (vii) Cultural and social norms within institutions. Institutional personnel may hold patriarchal or victim-blaming attitudes, which influence their willingness to act decisively on GBV cases. Such norms often result in the trivialization or dismissal of complaints. (viii) Poor data management and case tracking. There is no comprehensive centralized system for collecting and managing GBV data across institutions. This hampers evidence-based policymaking and the monitoring of enforcement effectiveness. (ix) Inadequate survivor-centered approaches: Many institutions do not prioritize the safety, dignity, and the confidentiality of GBV survivors. This deters survivors from reporting and engaging with formal systems. Mr. Speaker, Sir, my Ministry, in collaboration with key stakeholders is undertaking significant systemic reforms to enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies and the Judiciary in handling femicide cases. These efforts aim to address systemic challenges and ensure justice for survivors. (x) The establishment of specialized gender-based violence courts. In 2023, the Kenyan Judiciary launched at least five specialized sexual and gender-based violence special courts in regions, including Shanzu, Siaya, Kisumu, Kibera, and Makadara. These courts are designed to expedite GBV cases, reduce case backlogs, and provide survivor- centered justice. Currently, Kenya has 12 specialized courts for victims of GBV. (xi) Formation of a presidential working group on femicide. In December, 2024, the Kenyan Cabinet approved the formation of a multi-sectoral Presidential Working Group tasked with developing a comprehensive approach to address the increasing GBV cases, including femicide. This group, comprising religious leaders, parents, schools, security agencies and civil society organizations, is mandated to identify legal and enforcement gaps and deliver actionable recommendations within 90 days. (xii) Specialized units within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, ODPP. The ODPP has established specialized units focusing on SGBV, counter- trafficking in persons and child protection. These units are staffed with trained prosecutors who handle cases with a trauma-informed approach, ensuring effective prosecution and victim support. (xiii) Standard operating procedures for GBV case handling. In July, 2024, the Kwale Court Users Committee unveiled the first ever SOP Manual to streamline the reporting and the handling of SGBV cases. The manual outlines procedures for proper reporting, meticulous evidence recording and effective prosecution, aiming to ensure victims receive prompt and effective justice."
}