Justice Comes Closer to Kenema: Chief Justice Inspects City's First-Ever Sexual Offences Model Court

KENEMA, Sierra Leone – Sierra Leone's drive to strengthen justice for survivors of sexual violence has reached another major milestone, as Chief Justice His Lordship Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda inspected the construction of Kenema's first-ever Sexual Offences Model Court.

During an unannounced visit on Friday, 10 July 2026, the Chief Justice assessed the progress of the specialised court, which is expected to become the third Sexual Offences Model Court established under his leadership after similar facilities in Makeni and Bo.

Once completed in the coming weeks, the court is expected to transform the handling of sexual offences cases in Kenema and neighbouring districts by providing a dedicated judicial facility designed to improve efficiency, reduce delays, and strengthen access to justice for survivors, particularly women and children.

Beyond the construction site, Justice Kamanda also monitored live proceedings at both the Magistrates' Court and the High Court in Kenema. The visit formed part of his broader effort to evaluate court operations, observe judicial proceedings firsthand, and identify areas for improving the administration of justice.

The Chief Justice was received by Resident High Court Judge Honourable Justice Abdul Sheriff alongside the district's resident magistrates, who accompanied him throughout the inspection.

The visit drew positive reactions from litigants and members of the public, many of whom praised the Chief Justice's hands-on leadership and ongoing reforms within Sierra Leone's Judiciary. Residents described the project as a significant investment in justice and welcomed the continued expansion of specialised courts across the country.

With the Kenema facility nearing completion, Sierra Leone is set to further expand its network of Sexual Offences Model Courts, reinforcing efforts to deliver faster, more specialised justice for victims of sexual violence and advancing the Judiciary's wider reform agenda.

Source: Judiciary of Sierra Leone