This archive report was first published on 15 July 2020.
On July 14, 2020, the European Union announced a 2.5 million Euros (Ksh 302.5 million) donation to support nine counties in Kenya in their fight against COVID-19.
The grant, managed by Amref Health Africa, will be used to boost testing capabilities, support home-based care, and enrich local innovations such as no-touch hand washing stations for a seven-month period.
The counties set to benefit from the fund include Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, Nyeri, Uasin Gishu, Machakos, Kitui, Kajiado, and Laikipia.
Amref Health Africa Country Director Meshack Ndirangu praised the county response to COVID-19, stating that the EU funds would go a long way in boosting further efforts to contain the pandemic.
"We will focus our support on the foundations the counties have already put in place to fight the pandemic by boosting their capabilities locally to flatten the curve and slow down infections," Ndirangu said.
He emphasized the need to shield vulnerable members of society, such as the aged and the sickly, and to stem the rise in COVID-19 cases that would overwhelm the healthcare system.
Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi welcomed the funding, stating that it would go a long way in fighting the spread of the pandemic in the area, particularly in financing innovations such as making Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) for health workers.
