Kenya’s Judiciary is developing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Adoption Policy Framework to guide integration of AI tools to enhance judicial operations.

Speaking during an engagement forum between the Supreme Court of Kenya and the Federal Supreme Court of Ethiopia, Chief Justice Martha Koome highlighted that a judicial AI policy will enhance case management, legal research, predictive analytics and administrative support.

“To ensure ethical, safe, and purposeful adoption, we are developing the Judiciary Artificial Intelligence Adoption Policy Framework to guide integration of AI tools while safeguarding judicial independence, data privacy, and due process,” announced the CJ.

Further, Koome observed that the Judiciary is determined not to leave anyone behind in the digital transformation journey, noting that the vision for ICT is grounded in a rights-based, user-centred approach.

“The reality of the digital divide – especially for the indigent, the elderly and those without digital literacy – means we must provide support,” she affirmed.

According to the CJ, the Judiciary is doing this by establishing ICT help desks at Huduma Centres and within court stations to assist court users in navigating e-filing and other online services.

Notably, Koome cited one of the most pressing challenges in achieving a seamless and end-to-end digital justice system as the interoperability across institutions in the justice sector.

“We have made significant progress by integrating the Judiciary’s system with that of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). Through the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ), we are working to bring on board other key agencies – such as the police, prisons, probation and the children’s department,” she disclosed.

Commenting on the security of digital infrastructure, the CJ, however, decried the high cost of safeguarding digital systems from cyber threats that can compromise systems adding that the Judiciary is investing in robust cybersecurity measures to stay ahead of the risks.

During the engagement themed ‘Regional Experience Sharing on Integrated Case Management System and Electronic Record Management’ Koome addressed the Ethiopian delegation led by the Vice President of the Federal Supreme Court of Ethiopia Abeba Embiale Mengste during which she insisted that judicial exchanges are vital ways through which judiciaries shape the future of justice in the region.

“We hope that the lessons shared during this study visit will contribute to stronger, more resilient and more people-centred justice in Kenya and Ethiopia,” she remarked.

Supreme Court Judge Isaac Lenaola who is the chairperson of the Integrated Case Management Systems Committee (ICMS) of the judiciary said the judiciary in Kenya would be willing to offer technical ICT support to the Federal Supreme Court of Ethiopia to enable it realis its ambition of full integration of digitisation in their judicial system by 2026.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Michael Omondi