Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) remains a serious challenge in Kenya and across the Horn of Africa, where weak justice and healthcare systems limit survivors’ access to justice. In Kenya, 45% of women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical or sexual violence, while in Somalia, decades of conflict have worsened vulnerability to abuse. Two major gaps hinder progress: the lack of robust forensic investigation and the absence of a strong healthcare ecosystem to support justice processes. Forensic services are vital for securing, analysing, and presenting evidence that can stand in court. However, most SGBV interventions focus heavily on reproductive health, leaving forensic healthcare underfunded. This imbalance reduces the ability of courts to prosecute offenders effectively and undermines survivors’ trust in the justice system. A functional forensic healthcare delivery system could strengthen criminal investigations, empower survivors, and contribute to better governance. This requires trained forensic practitioners who understand SGBV ethics, can operate professionally in crime scenes, and can testify as credible expert witnesses. By investing in forensic capacity, Kenya and the Horn of Africa can address SGBV more effectively and tackle wider human rights violations, ensuring justice is both fair and accessible.