This archive report was first published on 16 July 2020.
On July 16, 2020, the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund announced a Ksh 600 million allocation to purchase locally produced Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to cushion frontline workers across the country.
Speaking in Kitui, Equity Foundation Executive Director Reuben Mbindu emphasized the importance of sourcing PPEs locally to support local entrepreneurs and the economy.
‘All the PPEs needed in the country will be sourced locally in a bid to ‘Buy Kenya Build Kenya’ and cushion local entrepreneurs from the ravages of Covid-19 that has shattered the economy,’ said Mbindu.
The fund has set aside Sh 237 million to supply PPEs across 68 hospitals countrywide in its first tranche, as counties prepare to handle any coronavirus cases.
Manufacturers have been trained and their capacity enhanced to meet international standards in the production of protective gears and hospital beds.
Kitui County Referral Hospital received assorted PPEs from the fund, which included 5,000 pieces of surgical masks, 7,500 pieces of gloves coveralls, gumboots, and other essential items.
Governor Charity Ngilu, in her speech, highlighted the county's efforts to combat the pandemic, including training 211 healthcare personnel on COVID-19 quick response and empowering local entrepreneurs to produce prototype beds.
