Courts in Kenya and Tanzania have begun testing AI tools for case management, and the early results offer useful lessons for Somalia as we think about modernizing our own legal system. Kenya’s High Court is running pilot programs for electronic filing, court transcription, and scheduling, and judges there report that processing times have improved noticeably. One Kenyan judge put it well when he said AI should “serve justice, not replace it.” That principle worth keeping in mind as these tools spread across the region.

The most interesting finding comes from a UNESCO survey of legal professionals in Eastern Africa. The numbers tell a story: 93 percent of respondents know about AI tools, and 44 percent already use them for research and document summaries. But here is the problem: 91 percent say they have received no training or guidelines from their employers on how to use these tools properly. People are experimenting with AI on their own, without guidance, and this has prompted the development of new Eastern Africa Legal AI Guidelines to address the gap.

How Firms Are Using These Tools

Law firms in Kenya and Tanzania have found practical applications for AI in document review and contract analysis. Some report saving up to 70 percent of the time they would normally spend on certain tasks, which is substantial when you consider the volume of documents involved in commercial litigation or due diligence work. The key to making this work, according to firms that have adopted these tools successfully, is proper training. AI does not replace legal judgment, but it can handle the mechanical parts of legal work more quickly than a human associate flipping through pages.

Tanzania is also testing AI for transcription and translation in multilingual hearings, and this application might matter most for Somalia. We have different languages and dialects across our regions, and court proceedings sometimes involve parties who do not share a common language with the presiding judge. Tools that assist with real-time translation could improve access to justice in ways that go beyond efficiency. They could help people actually understand what is happening in proceedings that affect their lives and property.

What This Means for Somali Lawyers

The East Africa Law Society now describes digital literacy as the “fourth stage” of legal transformation, following the earlier stages of formal education, bar admission, and practical training. Regional training programs have started adding modules on technology, project finance, and international arbitration to their curricula. This shift reflects a recognition that lawyers who understand these tools will work more efficiently than those who do not, and efficiency matters in a profession where clients expect results within budgets.

For lawyers practicing in Somalia, the takeaway is not that we need to adopt AI immediately. Our infrastructure and institutions are still developing. But we should pay attention to what our neighbors are learning. The training gap that UNESCO identified in Kenya and Tanzania exists here too, probably more so. As these tools become more accessible and more firms in the region adopt them, Somali lawyers who understand the basics will be better positioned to serve clients with cross-border matters or international partners who expect a certain level of technological competence.