This archive report was first published on 26 April 2020.
On April 26, 2020, Kirinyaga County embarked on a mass production of masks to safeguard its residents from Covid-19. The initiative, spearheaded by the County's Department of Gender and Social Services, aims to produce over 100,000 face masks.
The masks are being sewn at the County's Kaitheri Wezesha Mama Apparel Factory in Kerugoya, where about 30 women are involved in the production process. The factory, which started operations in 2019, has been producing school uniforms, hospital linen, and apparel for workers.
According to Governor Anne Waiguru, the mask production is a crucial intervention in preventing the spread of Covid-19 in the county. She emphasized that the masks are made in compliance with the laid down standards, including the use of materials certified by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
The reusable masks will be distributed to various groups, including market traders, public transport operators, and people living in informal settlements, before being made available to the general public. The distribution is set to begin this week.
As part of the county's efforts to combat Covid-19, Governor Waiguru has urged residents to adhere to all the laid down prevention measures, which are being implemented and enforced by both levels of government.
