Vihiga: The Vihiga County government, in collaboration with Civil Society Organisation Network, the Judiciary, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), has convened a stakeholders workshop aimed at strengthening evidence against perpetrators of gender-based violence (GBV).
According to Kenya News Agency, the workshop follows the official launch of the Vihiga Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Recovery Centre (SGBVRC) and seeks to enhance coordination among key justice actors in handling GBV cases. The meeting, chaired by Justice Jackie Kamau at the Vihiga Law Courts, brought together representatives from the National Police Service, healthcare practitioners, and other justice sector players.
The discussions centred on improving documentation and evidence management, including the proper use of P3 forms, clients' notes, and Post Rape Care (PRC) forms, which are vital for the successful prosecution of GBV cases. Participants also reviewed the roles of various institutions in the justice chain, with a focus on evidence gathering, medical evaluation, handling of rape kits, documentation, and understanding legal procedures.
The forum further emphasised the importance of ethical conduct, inter-agency collaboration, and survivor-centred approaches in delivering justice. Justice Kamau commended the joint initiative, noting that effective documentation and coordination were key to ensuring timely and fair outcomes for survivors.
The engagement reaffirmed Vihiga County's commitment to protecting the rights of survivors and ensuring that perpetrators of gender-based violence are held accountable.