Lawyers Hub CEO Calls for Stronger AI Regulation to Safeguard Kenya’s Elections

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 Lawyers Hub founder and CEO Lindah Obonyo has called for stronger regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies to safeguard the integrity, transparency and fairness of elections in Kenya.

Speaking during the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Conference, Obonyo said Kenya must develop clear regulations governing the use of AI in electoral processes to ensure technology does not undermine the constitutional requirement for free and fair elections.

Obonyo, whose organisation works on AI policy across Africa and globally, said emerging technologies were increasingly influencing elections, creating new risks that electoral institutions must be prepared to address.

She highlighted concerns around cyber-security, data exploitation and AI-driven micro-targeting, warning that some of these technologies operate in ways that may be difficult for voters and regulators to detect.

According to Obonyo, Kenya needs stronger systems to identify and address the misuse of personal data and technology in electoral campaigns, particularly through sophisticated targeting techniques powered by AI.

She also called for greater transparency in the procurement and deployment of AI systems, saying electoral technology should be subject to clear accountability and oversight mechanisms.

Obonyo noted that Kenya's experience during the 2017 General Election exposed gaps in the country's ability to effectively detect and respond to the misuse or compromise of data.

She urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to strengthen its preparedness for the intersection between AI and elections, including developing mechanisms capable of detecting emerging forms of manipulation.

“We need more transparent procurement systems around AI,” Obonyo said, stressing that electoral institutions must anticipate technological risks rather than respond to them after elections.

Her remarks come as legal professionals increasingly debate the implications of AI for justice, governance and democratic processes, with the LSK Conference examining how the legal profession can adapt to rapidly evolving technology.

Obonyo said Kenya has an opportunity to develop robust safeguards that protect electoral integrity while allowing responsible innovation in the use of AI and other emerging technologies.

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