This archive report was first published on 20 June 2020.
On June 19, 2020, Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) Chief Executive Officer, Ms Phyllis Wakiaga, reiterated the need for Kenya Covid-19 Fund to support local industries in producing Covid-19 preventive gear. Speaking during the Fund members' visit to Kitui Textile Centre (KICOTEC), she emphasized the importance of working with local industry players to give small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Textiles and Apparels Sector an opportunity to seal gaps in the local value chain of Covid-19 protective gear.
Ms Wakiaga reaffirmed the association's commitment to working with the government to relieve the ever-increasing demand for critical items in the country. She noted that the continued production of essential goods and services while remaining ethical and fair in pricing will enable SMEs and those whose daily wage has been greatly impacted by the pandemic to cater for their basic needs.
Ms Wakiaga applauded local manufacturers for their critical role in pulling the stop of importation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and increasing their production of critical items to meet the increasing demand. The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has issued guidelines and tested medical supplies, including protective footwear and ventilator prototypes currently under development.
Ms Wakiaga also announced that KAM has released a list of local manufacturers who produce the material (Non-Woven Polypropylene) needed to manufacture 3-ply face masks due to their high filtration ability. Kitui County Governor Charity Ngilu said the face masks produced at KICOTEC will be used by both medical personnel and the general public as the country grapples with the coronavirus pandemic.
Published on June 20, 2020, by Kenya News Agency.
