Justice Isaac Lenaola addresses new law students at Zetech University. Photo/Lawrence Ongaro
By Lawrence Ongaro
The curriculum for the study of law should be reviewed to align with emerging technological issues, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI), Supreme Court Judge Isaac Lenaola has said.
Justice Lenaola noted that many legal matters now require a fresh perspective.
“Today’s generation focuses more on modern technology, unlike in our time when we used typewriters to complete our work,” he said.
The judge made the remarks on Friday, March 13, 2025, during a visit to Zetech University’s Mang’u Campus in Thika, where he addressed and motivated 15 students studying law.
Embracing technology after Covid-19
Justice Lenaola said the legal sector significantly embraced technology following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In his address to the students, he urged them to dedicate themselves fully to their studies in order to achieve their dreams of becoming lawyers recognized on the global stage.
However, he also criticized the misuse of Artificial Intelligence, warning that it should not be used inappropriately during examinations.
Supreme Court Judge Isaac Lenaola (fifth from left) with lawyers and lecturers who visited Zetech University’s School of Law. Photo/Lawrence Ongaro.
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“Such actions can undermine the competence of a lawyer who is expected to be highly knowledgeable in line with the dignity of the profession,” he explained.
He added that it is important for law students to develop a strong understanding of legal studies in order to remain competitive in the legal profession.
Justice Lenaola said it is time to critically examine the study of law because the world is constantly changing in different ways.
Even so, he advised lawyers to be ready to embrace Artificial Intelligence technology.
He also proposed that experienced judges be given opportunities to teach law in universities so as to equip students with practical legal knowledge.
Students urged to pursue excellence
Zetech University Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Student Affairs, Prof Alice Njuguna, urged new students to remain committed to their studies so they can gain global recognition.
“You must be ready to dedicate yourselves to the study of law and read widely,” she advised.
She added that the university should be equipped with all the necessary facilities for legal education so that it can enroll students from all the 47 counties across the country.
Prof Njuguna said law remains an important discipline because it safeguards justice and demands high levels of integrity from its practitioners.
Shila Achieng’, representing the newly elected President of the Law Society, Charles Kanjama, encouraged students to embrace modern technology due to the rapid pace of change.
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Law lecturer Dr Eric Kibet said the law curriculum is designed to train students to become competent lawyers who can be recognized internationally.
“As lecturers, we are committed to ensuring our students achieve their dreams of becoming lawyers,” Dr Kibet explained.
He also mentioned the Techsheria Scholarship, a programme that sponsors students who are passionate about studying law but lack the financial means to pay tuition fees.
Meanwhile, Nairobi-based law lecturer Mugambi Laibuta criticized some students for lacking basic professional skills such as writing job application letters and preparing a proper curriculum vitae (CV).
He said the issue should be addressed in order to produce graduates with strong English language skills and better professional communication.
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