By Dorothy Musyoka
Chief Justice Martha Koome, joined by Supreme Court Judge Isaac Lenaola, judges, and magistrates, participated in the prestigious Bush Debate National Tournament at Alliance High School.
The event, themed “Artificial Intelligence: Harnessing AI for Transformative Impact in Health, Education, Technology, Governance, and Other Contemporary Issues,” brought together young debaters, legal minds, and technology enthusiasts to explore AI’s role in shaping the future.
In her keynote address, Chief Justice Koome underscored the profound potential of AI in revolutionizing Kenya’s judicial system.
She highlighted key advancements the Judiciary has made in embracing technology, including e-filing, virtual courts, and AI-powered transcription services, which have significantly enhanced efficiency and accessibility in the administration of justice.
“I must highlight the profound potential of AI and technology in general in transforming the justice sector. The Kenyan Judiciary has long embraced technology as a vehicle for transformation, and AI represents the next frontier in our journey toward a more efficient, accessible, and transparent judicial system” she said.
However, Chief Justice Koome cautioned that while AI is a powerful tool, it must not replace the human wisdom, fairness, and ethical judgment that define the justice system.
She emphasized that justice is not just about logic but also about humanity, compassion, and fairness, urging stakeholders to ensure AI remains a tool for enhancement rather than a substitute for judicial decision making.
“We must ensure that the use AI in the justice system remains a tool for enhancement, not a substitute for human decision-making,” remarked the Chief Justice.
The Judiciary’s participation reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging technology for judicial excellence while safeguarding the core values of justice.