We take lessons from the pandemic

Political leaders and government officials are united that coronavirus disease has tested the nerve of Kenyans but has also provided for opportunities that should be taken advantage of.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga told the National Covid-19 conference yesterday that Kenya and Africa have done a tremendous job in managing the virus. He congratulated President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration for providing requisite leadership to contain the virus.

He also decorated Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe for keeping Kenyans updated on the disease. “The world was looking at Africa as the place where the disease would have devastating consequences. We acted fast and saved many lives,” Raila said.

Chief Justice David Maraga urged national and international players to invest more in technology. “We are soon having a national council of administration of justice and we want to review how we can use technology in dispensing justice,” Maraga said.

National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi said MPs are focused and ready to work with other arms of government in the war against the pandemic.

“We are engaged and will make sure that any policies or measures that need our input are given priority. We are ready to work with the Executive to ensure that policies to do with post Covid-19 era have legislative backing,” he said.

His Senate counterpart Kenneth Lusaka said senators have generated the Pandemic Response and Management Bill 2020 to give the country a legal framework on how to handle future pandemics. “The Bill was passed on June 30 and has been forwarded to the National Assembly for input," he said.

Council of Governors Chairman Wycliffe Oparanya said the pandemic has strengthened the relationship between the National Government and counties.

“We have realised that we can disagree to agree and work together for the benefit of Kenyans,” Oparanya said.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i thanked Uhuru for leading the country in the fight against the disease. “We are happy with your leadership because you managed to put together the National Emergency Response Committee, which I chair, to deal with this,” Matiang’i said.

Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi called for a lasting solution on functions between national and county governments. “We need to think together and reflect further on devolved functions. There is no conflict when we work together,” Mudavadi said.