Nairobi: The Judiciary is developing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Adoption Policy Framework to guide the 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 (CJ) Martha Koome highlighted that a Judicial AI policy will enhance case management, legal research, predictive analytics and administrative support.
According to Kenya News Agency, the CJ announced that the Judiciary is committed to ensuring ethical, safe, and purposeful adoption of AI by developing the Judiciary Artificial Intelligence Adoption Policy Framework. This initiative aims to safeguard judicial independence, data privacy, and due process. Koome emphasized the Judiciary's determination to include everyone in the digital transformation journey, basing the vision for ICT on a rights-based, user-centred approach.
The CJ noted the importance of supporting those affected by the digital divide, such as the indigent, the elderly, and those without digital literacy. To address this, the Judiciary is establishing ICT help desks at Huduma Centres and within court stations to assist court users with e-filing and other online services.
Koome also identified interoperability across institutions in the justice sector as a pressing challenge in achieving a seamless digital justice system. She mentioned significant progress in integrating the Judiciary's system with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and efforts by the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) to include other key agencies such as the police, prisons, probation, and the children's department.
Addressing the issue of digital infrastructure security, the CJ expressed concern over the high cost of safeguarding systems from cyber threats. She stated that the Judiciary is investing in robust cybersecurity measures to mitigate these 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, Hon Abeba Embiale Mengste. She emphasized the importance of judicial exchanges in shaping the future of justice in the region, hoping the shared lessons would contribute to more resilient and people-centred justice in Kenya and Ethiopia.
Supreme Court Judge Isaac Lenaola, chairperson of the Integrated Case Management Systems Committee (ICMS) of the Judiciary, remarked that the Judiciary of Kenya is willing to offer technical ICT support to the Federal Supreme Court of Ethiopia. This support aims to help realize Ethiopia's ambition of full digitization integration in their judicial system by 2026.