On Friday, 13th February 2026, the Faculty of the University of Nairobi witnessed the official launch of SheriaPal, an innovative legal-tech platform designed to simplify access to legal information and empower citizens with practical legal knowledge.
SheriaPal, founded by a law student, Gathoni Gikonyo, seeks to bridge the gap between the law and the ordinary citizen. In a country where many individuals struggle to understand their rights and legal procedures due to complex language, high legal fees, and limited access to legal professionals, SheriaPal offers a user-
friendly solution. The platform is designed as a digital legal companion, providing simplified explanations of legal concepts, step-by-step guidance on common legal processes, and accessible legal resources tailored to everyday needs. By leveraging technology, SheriaPal aims to make legal literacy more inclusive, particularly for young people, entrepreneurs, and underserved communities.
During the launch event, attendees were taken through a live demonstration of the platform, showcasing how users can navigate legal topics and receive structured guidance. The event brought together students, faculty members, and distinguished guests who commended the initiative as a forward-thinking step toward modernizing access to justice.
Speaking at the event, Gathoni emphasized that SheriaPal is not designed to replace lawyers, but to empower individuals with foundational legal understanding. “Access to justice begins with access to information. SheriaPal is about simplifying the law so that it serves the people it was created to protect,” she noted.
The innovation reflects the growing role of technology in the legal sector and highlights the University of Nairobi’s commitment to nurturing student-led solutions to societal challenges. Looking ahead, the SheriaPal team plans to expand the platform’s features, explore partnerships, and continue refining the system to ensure accuracy, usability, and impact. As Kenya continues to embrace digital transformation, initiatives like SheriaPal
demonstrate how young innovators are shaping the future of access to justice.
