This archive report was first published on 3 July 2020.
As the country prepares to lift the cessation of movement, Kitui County is struggling to meet the minimum 300 bed capacity threshold for Covid-19 patients.
President Uhuru Kenyatta had directed each of the 47 counties to have a minimum 300 bed capacity set aside for Covid-19 patients in his national address on June 6.
The national government had set aside Sh 5 billion to be shared amongst the devolved units to achieve the national targets of 35, 000 isolation beds.
However, Kitui County has only 74 beds spread across its four isolation centers, despite receiving funds from the national government.
Speaking in her office in Kitui, Governor Charity Ngilu said that prototype beds have been given to jua kali artisans in the county to make in the spirit of Buy Kenya Build Kenya clarion call to empower local entrepreneurs.
‘I am optimistic that we shall achieve the required threshold of the beds in all our Covid-19 isolation centres. These beds will be made locally within the county. They might not be exactly like those imported ones but will definitely serve the intended purpose,’ said Governor Ngilu.
The European Union has also funded a programme to be implemented by Amref Health Africa and Red Cross to combat Covid-19 in 20 counties across Kenya, including Kitui.
Amref Health Africa Chief of Party Gilbert Wangalwa said the project will strengthen the health response to Covid-19 at the national and county levels.
‘This will be an inclusive and gender responsive way, enhance community engagement for a better management and control of Covid-19, and provide safety nets for the most vulnerable households shielding them from the worst of the pandemic’s impact on the economy,’ said Wangalwa.
