This archive report was first published on 5 May 2020.
As the government intensifies its efforts to combat the spread of the coronavirus in Kenya, two garment factories in Nakuru have stepped up to support the cause by producing face masks on a large scale.
Bedi Investments Limited, located in Nakuru Town, and Trendy Links Limited, based in Bahati Sub-county, have been transformed into 24-hour production houses, churning out at least 80,000 masks per day.
According to Nakuru County Executive for Trade and Industry Raymond Komen, Bedi Investments is producing 60,000 face masks daily, while Trendy Links is generating up to 10,000 masks per day.
"The factories have joined the government's efforts to combat coronavirus. The demand for masks has increased, and we are making efforts to scale up production per day to meet the region's needs," said Mr Komen.
Trendy Links Limited's Managing Director, Esther Kimani, revealed that the factory, which started four years ago, has the capacity to produce up to 400,000 masks per day.
"We have engaged over 400 employees in the mass production of masks and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs). We are also producing hand sanitizers and fumigation liquids, which we have taken to the Kenya Bureau of Standards for certification," said Ms Kimani.
The factory has received large orders from county governments, NGOs, corporate entities, and private hospitals, with each box of 50 masks sold at Sh4,000. However, the firm also gives away free masks to members of the public, including local boda boda riders and Matatu crew.
"This group of people are our first target for free masks because they interact with many people. We are putting every effort to minimize the risks of spreading the virus," added Ms Kimani.
The two factories have joined several others across the country in producing masks on a large scale.
Other notable factories involved in mass mask production include Kitui County Textile Centre, Alpha Knits Limited, Chalange Industries, Ken-Knit (Kenya) Ltd, Rivatex, Spinners & Spinners, Sunflag Textiles, Supra Textiles, and Thika Cloth Mills.
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui expressed pride in local companies producing masks and other PPEs, stating that the government supports and promotes local industries by offering a conducive business environment.
Bedi Investments, owned by the Jas Bedi family, employs at least 1,000 youth at its Nakuru factory and has expanded its business to Nairobi and other parts of the country.
