This archive report was first published on 15 July 2020.
On July 15, 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta made a significant move to support local innovation in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. He ordered the National Government to purchase 500 hospital beds from two local innovators, Mungai Gathongo and Joseph Muhinja.
The two innovators, who are based in Kiambu county, have been given a month and a half to deliver the 500 beds under the supervision of President Uhuru. The beds will be made from locally assembled materials and will be evaluated by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) for sustainability.
According to PDU Secretary Andrew Wakahiu, the purchase is a boost to the battle against the coronavirus as it will enable hospitals to build the required bed capacity. Many hospitals in various countries have run out of beds amid the surging novel coronavirus infections.
Mr. Wakahiu stated, "I have been sent by His Excellency the President to congratulate the young innovators and to confirm the government’s commitment to support local innovations and products by providing a market for our own under the Buy-Kenya-Build-Kenya policy."
