The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has called on public institutions to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics to strengthen efforts in the fight against corruption.
Speaking during the 38th National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) meeting in Mombasa, EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud said digital technology would improve the detection, investigation and prosecution of corruption cases. He said the move was aimed at increasing transparency, accountability and efficiency in the justice sector.
Mohamud said digital systems should become an important part of the daily operations of justice institutions. “Technology is now the biggest enabler for corruption prevention, law enforcement and transparency,” he said. He added that secure digital systems were no longer optional, as they could help institutions deliver better services and improve public trust.
According to Mohamud, digital transformation would allow justice agencies to exchange information and evidence in real time. He said this would support coordinated investigations, improve the prosecution of corruption cases and strengthen the management of electronic evidence. He also encouraged institutions to connect their information systems to reduce delays and improve case handling.
The EACC boss said AI and data analytics could help detect conflicts of interest, identify irregularities in public procurement, analyse suspicious payment patterns and uncover links to hidden business ownership associated with corruption. He also called for greater investment in cybersecurity, digital investigations, forensic skills and digital ethics to ensure officers were prepared to deal with modern corruption schemes while protecting citizens’ privacy.
The call came as the justice sector launched the Justice Sector ICT Policy and Action Plan to accelerate the digitisation of services and improve coordination among institutions. Chief Justice Martha Koome said stronger cooperation was necessary because “The public experiences the justice system as one interconnected chain, not separate institutions.” She said the reforms would improve access to justice, strengthen the rule of law and increase public confidence in Kenya’s justice system.
– By Esther Keshe
