Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping legal practice in Kenya, with senior practitioners at the Law Society of Kenya’s (LSK) Annual Conference urging advocates to embrace new technologies while maintaining professional and ethical safeguards.
The third day of the conference, held under the theme “Legal Practice in the AI Era,” focused on the growing use of digitisation, digitalisation and artificial intelligence in legal research, drafting, case management and service delivery.
LSK President Charles Kanjama, SC, said the legal profession could no longer remain insulated from technological change, arguing that AI should be viewed as a tool to support lawyers rather than replace them.
“AI cannot work for lawyers; lawyers must learn to work harmoniously with AI,” Kanjama said, urging litigators, commercial and conveyancing practitioners, alternative dispute resolution practitioners, in-house counsel, law firms and the Judiciary to prepare for a technology-driven future.
“The future of legal practice is digital. This is the reality, and we have to be ready for it,” he added.
Kanjama’s remarks framed wider discussions on the opportunities and risks presented by AI, including its potential to improve efficiency while raising questions over confidentiality, accountability, professional responsibility and the reliability of technology-generated information.
Justice (Dr.) Johnson Okoth Okello, OGW, cautioned advocates against adopting AI systems without adequate safeguards, particularly on copyright, data protection and discriminatory outcomes.
“AI is here with us; the legal world is revolutionising. We, advocates, need not be left behind,” Justice Okello said.
He stressed that technological efficiency should not come at the expense of legal and constitutional protections, calling on lawyers to exercise professional judgment when deploying AI in their work.
Chief Guest Philip Thigo said AI was already transforming how businesses, governments and institutions process information and make decisions, urging lawyers to approach the technology with confidence and responsibility.
“Intelligence is the currency of our time. Whether powered by people or technology, it shapes how we work, make decisions and solve problems,” Thigo said.
He said the adoption of AI should be guided by principles that promote responsible and equitable outcomes.
LSK Vice President Wavinya Nicholas warned that AI could intensify competition within the legal profession by changing the speed, quality and cost of legal services.
“AI will not replace lawyers. However, lawyers who harness AI’s capabilities are likely to replace those who fail to adapt,” Nicholas said.
She said advocates who integrate AI into their workflows could gain an advantage in delivering legal services more efficiently and competitively.
Senior Counsel Bar Chairperson Philip Murgor, SC, also addressed delegates, contributing to discussions on the future of the profession and the need for lawyers to remain adaptable as technology changes traditional legal practice.
The conference discussions highlighted the need for greater technological literacy among advocates while protecting confidentiality, professional independence, accountability, data protection and the rule of law.
For Kenya’s legal profession, the rapid development of AI presents both an opportunity to improve service delivery and a regulatory challenge requiring clear professional standards.
The message from the third day of the conference was that AI is no longer a distant prospect for the legal profession. As its use expands, lawyers will increasingly need to understand the technology, assess its limitations and deploy it responsibly while ensuring that technological advances strengthen rather than undermine the administration of justice.
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