This archive report was first published on 9 July 2020.
July 9, 2020 - The Kenyan government has been urged to support local manufacturers involved in the production of essential gear to aid the war against COVID-19.
HACO Industries Managing Director Mary-Ann Musangi made the call, citing a significant loss of revenue in the past three months. She emphasized that government support in purchasing items produced by local manufacturers like Personal Protective Equipment, sanitizers, face masks, and others will help sustain the economy and support livelihoods.
"It is very important for us to buy our own brands, buy Kenya build Kenya, that is very critical," she said. "If the corporates and the government do not buy our products then many companies will be forced to shut because it will not be sustainable."
As part of measures to combat the pandemic, HACO Industries is working in partnership with East African Breweries Limited to manufacture Amara Antibacterial sanitizers, some of which is distributed for free. The company has also supplied major hospitals in the country with free sanitizers to help patients and healthcare workers fight the virus.
Kenya is projecting its peak for the virus infections from August through to January, and has even declared schools closed until 2021 for safety reasons. President Uhuru Kenyatta has lifted travel restrictions to and from the capital Nairobi, the coastal city of Mombasa, and Mandera in the northern part of the country, but extended a night curfew until August 6.
On Thursday, 447 coronavirus cases were recorded, the highest on a single day, raising the caseload so far to 8,975. The Health Cabinet Secretary, Mutahi Kagwe, said everyone must take the matter seriously, as the cases are increasing by the day.
