Justice Lenaola Warns on AI Risks: Calls for Regulation to Protect Privacy, Justice, and Equity
By News Desk
Justice Isaac Lenaola has raised urgent concerns over the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in Kenya, emphasizing the need for robust regulation to safeguard privacy, prevent misinformation, and ensure equitable access to justice.
Speaking on the role of AI in society, Justice Lenaola noted that while Kenya is yet to enact a specific AI licensing law, courts, policymakers, and technology stakeholders must work together to create a safe framework for AI use.
He highlighted the potential risks:
Misinformation and disinformation could spread rapidly, threatening national elections and the integrity of public discourse.
Digital divide issues may leave rural communities or less technologically advanced groups without access to fair AI-assisted services, widening inequality.
Bias and errors in AI systems could undermine justice if improperly used in legal or administrative processes.
Justice Lenaola stressed that AI should support, not replace, human decision-making. “AI must not take over our jobs as judges,” he said, urging careful implementation to avoid bias and ensure that all Kenyans, including those in remote villages, have fair access to justice.
The Justice also called on government agencies and the private sector to establish guidelines, accountability mechanisms, and licensing structures for AI tools. This, he argued, would help Kenya harness AI’s benefits—such as efficiency and data analysis—while protecting citizens’
As Kenya positions itself in the global AI landscape, Lenaola’s remarks underscore a critical balance: embracing innovation without compromising privacy, fairness, and the rule of law.
