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Esheria LexChat, Kenya’s first AI lawyer

Platform responds in real time and speaks in everyday language, turning complicated laws into actionable guidance

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by VICTOR AMADALA

Business09 June 2025 - 11:15
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In Summary


  • Rather than sifting through dense reports or browsing outdated statutes, users can simply ask questions in straightforward language.
  • Whether you want to understand what the Employment Act states regarding unfair termination or need to know how a recent High Court decision affects property rights, LexChat provides clear, structured answers based on current legislation.

Human Rights Agenda’s Susan Nyale, Esheria’s head of operations,Ekesa Austin, Huria executive director Yusuf Lule and Miada Yaya in Mombasa/ FILE

Legal systems are often viewed as complicated, exclusive, and out of reach for the average person. For many Kenyans, legal information remains locked behind jargon, bureaucracy, and outdated systems. But that is changing fast thanks to one innovation reshaping the future of law in Kenya: Esheria LexChat.

According to Mike Kinyanjui, business development associate at Esheria, the country’s first legal assistant, brings clarity to the law and power to the people. By fusing artificial intelligence with deep knowledge of Kenyan law, LexChat makes legal processes easier to understand, faster to navigate, and more widely available.

“Whether you are a lawyer in practice, a student just starting, or a community advocate working on the front lines, LexChat is built to support your work and strengthen access to justice for all,’’ Kinyanjui said.

Rather than sifting through dense reports or browsing outdated statutes, users can simply ask questions in straightforward language. Whether you want to understand what the Employment Act states regarding unfair termination or need to know how a recent High Court decision affects property rights, LexChat provides clear, structured answers based on current legislation.

The platform responds in real time and speaks in everyday language, turning complicated laws into actionable guidance, making it easier for ordinary citizens to understand their rights and for professionals to advise with confidence.

Legal research has long been one of the most tedious parts of practice. Hours spent poring over dusty books and endless PDF files can slow down even the sharpest legal minds. Esheria LexChat changes that. With instant access to updated legal databases, the platform delivers fast, accurate information on Kenyan laws, precedents, and regulations.

According to developers, lawyers can pose questions and get immediate responses that are not only correct but relevant to the Kenyan context. The platform is updated with recent judgments and keeps pace with emerging trends, ensuring users stay ahead in a fast-moving legal landscape.

One of LexChat’s most powerful features is its ability to answer questions about case law. Users can ask about specific legal issues — from constitutional rights to corporate liability — and receive detailed explanations, including summaries of key decisions, legal principles applied, and related jurisprudence.

It is like having a conversation with the law itself. Whether you are preparing submissions, advising a client, or studying for exams, this function makes legal reasoning accessible and engaging. It transforms how users interact with the law by shifting from passive reading to active dialogue.

Draft smarter, not harder

Document drafting is an essential but often slow part of legal work. Esheria LexChat makes this process easier, faster, and more reliable. Users can generate professional documents — contracts, affidavits, agreements — tailored to Kenyan laws and specific counties or jurisdictions.

The platform understands context, recommends best practice clauses, and flags potential risks. Whether drafting an employment contract or a lease agreement, LexChat adjusts to your area of practice and ensures compliance with current law. This means fewer errors, less time wasted, and higher quality output, even for junior lawyers or paralegals.

Reviewing contracts can drain time and energy. LexChat simplifies this too. A user just needs to upload a document, and the system scans it for issues. It identifies risky clauses, checks for compliance with Kenyan regulations, and suggests improvements in plain language.

From small law firms to NGOs working with vulnerable communities, this feature levels the playing field. It gives users the power to understand complex documents without needing a full legal team. The result is faster, more accurate decision-making and stronger protection for clients and partners.

Justice at the grassroots

The platform’s impact extends well beyond boardrooms and courtrooms. Community-based organizations throughout Kenya are using it to promote legal literacy and improve access to justice. Groups like Human Rights Agenda at the Coast, Zero Street in urban areas, and Usikimye in Nairobi’s informal settlements depend on LexChat to assist vulnerable populations.

These organizations use the platform to clarify legal information for the public, help navigate child protection laws, guide survivors of gender-based violence, and provide practical and empowering legal insights. The law becomes a shared resource, not a private language.

The future of law

Esheria LexChat is more than software. It is a shift in how legal services are delivered and experienced. It challenges the idea that good lawyering requires long hours and obscure knowledge. Instead, it builds a legal culture where technology supports human intelligence and where justice is not just a concept but a daily reality.

Imagine a young lawyer in Eldoret managing their caseload with confidence. A paralegal in Mombasa helps a family understand housing rights. A university student in Kisumu exploring public interest litigation through clear, accessible answers.

“This is the legal future Kenya is building — inclusive, intelligent, and accessible,’’ says Kinyanjui.

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