Advancing Victim-Centred Justice: Evaluating the Experiences of Vulnerable Victims in Navigating the Criminal Justice System in Kakamega County, Kenya

Abstract

This study explored the experiences of vulnerable victims of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in navigating the criminal justice system in Kakamega County, Kenya. Despite victim-centred justice reforms, concerns persist regarding secondary victimization, limited participation, and inadequate support for victims within justice processes. The study was guided by Procedural Justice Theory, which emphasizes fairness, transparency, voice, and respectful treatment as key determinants of trust and legitimacy in legal systems. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted. The target population comprised 341 SGBV victims, from which a sample of 184 respondents was selected using Yamane’s (1967) formula and simple random sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, generating both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Ethical approval was obtained from the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI/P/22/21654), and ethical principles of informed consent, confidentiality, and protection of vulnerable participants were strictly observed. Findings revealed that 82.6% of respondents experienced harm during interaction with the criminal justice system, 32.7% reported victim blaming, and 73.9% indicated difficulty coping with the psychological effects of victimization. Qualitative findings highlighted emotional distress, procedural delays, financial strain, weak protective mechanisms, and challenges within informal justice systems. While police interactions were generally perceived positively, broader systemic and procedural inefficiencies contributed to dissatisfaction and reduced trust in justice processes. The study concludes that negative victim experiences are largely driven by systemic and procedural shortcomings rather than individual practitioners. It recommends strengthened implementation of the Victim Protection Act (2014), improved case management systems, integration of psychosocial support services, standardization of informal justice mechanisms, and enhanced accountability frameworks to reduce secondary victimization and improve victim satisfaction.