This archive report was first published on 16 July 2020.
On July 16, 2020, Darling Kenya, a leading hair extensions manufacturer, launched a new initiative to support Kenya's Sh25 billion hair industry meet the newly published guidelines for business operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development issued guidelines for business operations in June 2020, in response to the pandemic's impact on the hair and beauty industry in Kenya.
With over 50,000 salons in Kenya, the industry has been severely affected by the pandemic, with many salon professionals working in close proximity to their clients, fueling fears of transmission.
Darling Kenya's "#SalonTukoSet" program aims to provide support to salon owners, with three pillars: free distribution of hygiene kits and sanitizers, education on safety and hygiene, and back-to-business support.
Godrej Kenya CEO Rohit Vengurlekar stated that the company will provide salon owners with necessary guidance, resources, and updates to ensure the safety and well-being of their staff and customers, as per government protocols.
"Since March, the beauty and personal care industry, particularly the salon industry, has been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic," said Rohit Vengurlekar. "With the partial reopening of the economy, we at Darling are committed to empowering and uplifting the salon industry by ensuring they are business-ready with necessary protocols in place."
Under the program, Darling Kenya will donate 100,000 reusable masks, 20,000 litres of disinfectants, 10,000 litres of liquid hand wash, and 3,000 face shields for the well-being of stylists, all contained in a salon hygiene kit.
The company has also partnered with Rentokil Kenya to undertake weekly disinfection of top hair markets, including Kenyatta, Umoja, Kariobangi, Kahawa West, and Ngara Markets.
