This archive report was first published on 19 June 2020.
On June 19, 2020, the German government made a significant contribution to Kenya's COVID-19 response by donating Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) worth Sh10.8 million to agencies operating at One Stop Border Points (OSPBs).
The donation, which includes facemasks, sanitizers, and civic education booklets, will enable Kenya Revenue Authority officers to protect themselves and distribute facemasks to Kenyans who do not have the protective gear during patrols.
Each PPE comes in packaging printed with public health information to educate Kenyans on how to protect themselves from COVID-19.
Ministry of EAC Principal Secretary Dr. Kevit Desai received the equipment and noted that COVID-19 has disrupted normal business routines. He lauded the German government's donation for coming at a critical time and emphasized the need for more support as Kenya faces challenges due to the surge in COVID-19 cases.
Dr. Desai stated that the donation will support the Kenyan economy by creating jobs, especially along the Namanga border post, Isebania, Busia, Naivasha, Taita Taveta, Lunga Lunga, and Malaba.
German Ambassador to Kenya Annett Gunther said that they will continue to support Kenyan solutions to the pandemic and protect Kenyan jobs alongside the health of the Kenyan people and essential staff.
“The COVID-19 crisis reminds us all of the importance of establishing and maintaining secure borders. We hope these facemasks will help the OSBPs as well as strengthen the bonds they have formed with the people they protect and serve while supporting the health of Kenyans living in border areas,” said Gunther.
Kenya Revenue Authority Commissioner General Mr. James Githii Mburu assured that Customs and Border Control is an essential service, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He made an assurance that KRA has established safety measures to facilitate its services to the public, including along borders.
Kenya recorded the most COVID-19 deaths in a single day with 10 fatalities reported on Thursday, bringing the total number of deaths in the country to 117, according to the Health Ministry. As of yesterday, Kenya had 213 more positive cases, bringing the national tally to 4,257.
