Even Covid-19 cannot stop the wheels of justice   

The Covid-19 pandemic has, as expected, put the lives of all of our citizens on hold.

Despite this, our government has continued to function at an accelerated rate, aiming to address a host of virus-related challenges alongside its other responsibilities.

Our judiciary strives to reduce its workload considering the implications that their rulings, or lack thereof, have on the functioning of our democracy.

Our courts now use an electronic system to hear cases and deliver rulings. About 7,000 “e-judgments” have been delivered thus far. These have been instrumental in enabling businesses in dispute to resolve their issues in a timely manner as well as ensuring that citizens get justice.

The government has been strengthening the integrity of our democracy through upholding the rule of law.

Although many countries have closed their legal systems during this crisis, only allowing emergency rulings, the government has ensured that courts function.

Restoring a feeling among citizens that they can rely on the courts for the dispensation of justice has been an important part of the government’s efforts to reform the Judiciary.

President Kenyatta once said that gone are the days when the only lens to view our continent was one of despair and indignity.

The government’s commitment to restore the people’s confidence in the justice system has been evident in a host of initiatives.

These include his war on graft and directly addressing allegations of misconduct in our judicial system. Probes into the conduct of judges have been done.

 The reform of our justice system has been an uphill battle, but one that we have been gradually winning. Our country has over the past few years registered significant improvements in the infrastructure that enables justice to be served.

This includes the building of more courts as well as upgrading the infrastructure of existing ones. Technological advancements in the networks in courts have been put in place.

One of the surest signs of a strong judiciary is the role it plays in the checks and balances of a country.    

While it is clear that the state of our justice system has improved since the promulgation of the New Constitution in 2010, there is much more work to be done.

Our constitution is something our nation has the right to be proud of. However, we must look beyond it and understand the best way to uphold its stated purpose.

The rights and liberties of our citizens must be upheld.  Having a strong judiciary guided by a Constitution will undoubtedly ensure that not even a pandemic can halt progress in our nation.