This archive report was first published on 25 June 2020.
Published on June 25, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a significant shift in the way people live and interact with each other. One of the most noticeable changes is the widespread use of face masks.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), face masks have been clinically proven to be effective in preventing the spread of the virus. As a result, many countries, including Kenya, have made face masks a mandatory item for individuals and households.
With the demand for face masks skyrocketing, numerous organizations and individuals have emerged as manufacturers, distributors, and marketers of these essential items. In Kenya, the Kitui County Textile Centre in Kitui County has become a hub for face mask production, with an impressive 30,000 masks being produced daily.
However, the face mask industry has also become a platform for corporate social responsibility (CSR) and advertisement. Many companies have branded their face masks with their logos, slogans, and company names, and are distributing them to customers, the needy, and the general public.
But face masks have also become a fashion statement, with many people opting for customized masks with their favorite football club's logo, their country's flag, or even their religious beliefs. In fact, the use of face masks has become a way for people to express their individuality and creativity.
As the pandemic continues to spread, the face mask industry is expected to continue growing. However, as more manufacturers join the market, the output curves of production and demand may eventually cross, leading to reduced market demand and potentially dead stock.
