Nairobi has announced that it will not participate in the hearings of a maritime border dispute filed against Kenya by Somalia at the international court of justice. In a letter to the court, Kenya says the raging covid19 pandemic has hampered its ability to adequately prepare for the case. Kenya also argues that the hybrid format adopted by the court for the hearings, which involves a mix of in-person arguments before the court at the Hague and virtual presentations would occasion shortcomings that will hamper Kenya's ability to adequately argue the court ruled to continue with the hearings without Kenya's participation. The case began today with Somalia making its oral arguments.