Less than two weeks ago, a law chat bot called wakili.org was launched. A brainchild of Naftal, founder and CEO of MZawadi Loyalty Group, the response from Kenyans has been nothing short of astounding. In this short span, Wakili.org has already amassed over 13,000 consultations, showcasing the immense demand for legal aid and access to justice in Kenya. This surge in consultations highlights the hunger that Kenyan citizens have for reliable legal assistance.
“My personal story is a true reflection of what wakili and technology needs to do to the society”, Naftal says as he narrates his work with communities in his years working with donor projects . He adds, “Wakili is meant to be free because it has been developed to help SMEs draft legal contracts and Kenyans receive legal guidance .We are therefore started the journey of creating access and changing how machines interact with humans”
According to a report by the judiciary and the Hiil Foundation known us Justice Needs and Satisfaction in Kenya 2017, a staggering 17.2 to 17.9 million Kenyan citizens have faced one or more legal problems over the past four years. This statistic underscores the pressing need for an accessible, affordable, and fair justice process in Kenya. In fact, nearly two-thirds of adult Kenyans (63%) have encountered situations where such a justice process is required. Wakili.org has swiftly emerged as a crucial destination for Kenyans seeking legal knowledge and guidance before contemplating legal action.
One of the standout features of Wakili.org is its proficiency in Kenyan law and its ability to engage users in both Kiswahili and English in a more natural way, making it exceptionally approachable and user-friendly. Kenyans have shown remarkable enthusiasm for this chatbot, given its deep understanding of the complexities of Kenyan law.
But the story doesn’t stop here. Wakili is evolving to become even more inclusive. The development team is working tirelessly to equip Wakili with the capability to speak and listen, thereby extending its reach to illiterate and visually impaired members of society. This transformation will enable Wakili to serve an even broader segment of the population, ensuring that legal knowledge and guidance are truly accessible to all.
Naftal’s vision of democratizing access to justice in Kenya is rapidly becoming a reality. Wakili is akin to having a trusted lawyer in your pocket, ready to assist with legal matters 24/7. From Naftal’s personal journey of hardship to the global award-winning innovation that Wakili.org has become, the trajectory of this groundbreaking project exemplifies a commitment to reshaping the future of access to justice in Kenya.
Naftal concludes his story with a resounding statement, “We are not here to replace lawyers but to introduce a powerful tool that will enhance the efficiency of the legal profession and forge stronger connections between citizens and the law, fostering better adherence to it. If the remarkable numbers we’ve witnessed in less than two weeks are any indication, we are on the path to disrupting the industry and fulfilling the mandate of the Kenyan constitution, which emphasizes universal access to justice for all.”
Top of Form
