Kenya and South Korea eye AI partnership in justice sector

Kenya and South Korea are seeking to deepen judicial collaboration, with artificial intelligence, digital justice, and innovation highlighted as focal points of their partnership. Chief Justice Martha Koome welcomed South Korean Ambassador Kang Hyungshik on Friday, September 11, 2026, at the Judiciary headquarters. They deliberated on expanding the longstanding relationship between the two nations by incorporating justice into the areas of technology, health, agriculture, and infrastructure cooperation.

Koome emphasized that justice and the rule of law should be a crucial component of the partnership alongside existing fields. The judiciary of both countries could gain from mutual learning in digital justice, case management, judicial training, and technology and innovation. Artificial intelligence was a significant topic of discussion, with Koome noting Kenya's Judiciary as one of the country's forefronts in AI adoption and responsible implementation.

She stressed the need to uphold judicial independence, fairness, and fundamental rights while leveraging AI for enhanced efficiency, access to justice, legal research, and service delivery. The talks follow the growing trend of courts adopting digital systems to streamline case management and boost service accessibility. Ambassador Kang expressed Korea's eagerness to forge more partnerships and collaborations within Kenya, particularly with the justice system.

Koome's upcoming visit to South Korea aims to receive the inaugural Sejong Award for Legal Excellence, presented by the Supreme Court of Korea and the World Bank Group. The award recognizes contributions to the rule of law, human rights, judicial excellence, and international judicial cooperation. The award will also serve to further strengthen engagement between Kenya and South Korea's legal institutions.

Koome reiterated that Kenya and South Korea have already collaborated in technology, health, agriculture, and infrastructure, and she believes justice should form an essential part of their relationship. During the meeting, Koome also announced Kenya's nomination of Lady Justice Njoki Ndungu for election as a Judge of the International Criminal Court for the 2027–2036 term, seeking support from international partners in advancing international justice.

The discussions align with the Judiciary's Social Transformation through Access to Justice (STAJ) agenda, aiming to improve access to justice and judicial service delivery. Koome expressed optimism in transforming Kenya-Korea friendship into practical and enduring collaboration across their justice institutions, including digital justice, case management, judicial training, technology, innovation, and responsible AI application.