Victims’ Satisfaction with Procedural Justice Reforms in Kakamega Law Courts, Kenya

Abstract

This study investigated about victims’ satisfaction with procedural justice reforms in Kakamega Law Courts, Kenya through the descriptive cross-sectional design. The target population included 379 victims of sexual and gender-based violence who were primary respondents, extracted from Kakamega Law Courts records from 1st January 2019 to 1st March 2022. Yamane's method determined a sample size of 199 respondents who filled a questionnaire. Additionally, the researchers purposefully picked 15 key informants through interview. The researchers analyzed the qualitative data thematically. Descriptive statistics treated the quantitative data. Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient determined the existing relationship between the independent and the dependent variables. The study concludes that the most pertinent needs of vulnerable victims involved in the study were those of protection from further harm. Authorities met the needs for information and participation to some extent. The current approach to meeting the information needs of victims focused on their instrumental role in providing evidence to facilitate the state function of seeking justice. Meeting the victims’ needs somewhat increased their satisfaction with court services. The study recommends that criminal justice practitioners should prioritize the needs of vulnerable victims by ensuring that they are safe, supported and empowered. It is essential to empower victims by involving them in decision-making processes that directly influence their cases, ensuring that relevant authorities hear their voices and respect them throughout the legal process.