POTENTIAL ROLE OF AFRICAN UNION IN DEVELOPMENT OF AI GOVERNANCE ACROSS THE CONTINENT

This study addressed the fragmentation of AI governance approaches across Africa and examined the African Union's (AU) potential role in unifying these efforts. Using qualitative document analysis of AU publications and academic literature, the research explored the AU's continental AI governance approach, key initiatives, challenges, and future directions. Findings revealed that the AU made significant progress through initiatives such as the Continental AI Strategy (2024), the African Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence (ARCAI), the African Digital Compact, and the AU Data Policy Framework. However, challenges persisted, including regulatory fragmentation among member states and infrastructure disparities. The study discussed the AU's proposed governance mechanisms, including a high-level coordination mechanism on AI and adaptable regulation models, while noting threats from rapid global AI development and widening digital divides. It concluded that the AU's success in AI governance hinged on balancing innovation with ethics, addressing Africa-specific challenges, and fostering collaboration. Key recommendations included accelerating model AI regulation development, prioritizing digital infrastructure initiatives, enhancing ARCAI's role in building local expertise, and strengthening Africa's voice in global AI governance. This research contributes to the literature on AI governance in Africa, offering insights for policymakers on developing uniquely African approaches to inform global discussions.  Article visualizations

A Critique of police oversight mechanisms in Kenya with regard to extrajudicial killings

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the Bachelor of Laws Degree, Strathmore University Law SchoolIn 2016, there were 152 complaints made relating to police shootings and deaths. This is a problem insofar as there are two bodies that are tasked with police oversight in Kenya. This study was aimed at finding out why this is the case. This is because with two oversight bodies and a robust legal framework, it would be expected that the number of extrajudicial killings should have reduced. This study will also look at whether there are any weaknesses with the current oversight system in comparison with the previous system in order to establish what needs to be improved. This study has been conducted through the literature review of legislation in Kenya that provides for police oversight as well as reports which show what has been happening on the ground. It has established that there are various challenges posed to police oversight over extrajudicial killings. These are the failure of accountability, investigation and proper law enforcement; the widespread nature of extrajudicial killings and police involvement in the extrajudicial killings; inadequate mandate and resources and improper co-ordination of internal and external oversight mechanisms. This has led to the oversight mechanisms being inadequate despite the existence of an extensive legal regime. This study proposes that IAU be given a clear mandate as well as IPOA being given prosecutorial powers in order for these mechanisms to adequately discharge of their mandate and ensure that the number of extrajudicial killings in the country reduce